Camarige's Xanga

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:39:53 GMT

Why pay a dollar for a bookmark? Why not use the dollar for a bookmark? - Steven Spielberg

When I was a girl, my Dad was in the Military, and we lived in several States where we didn't have family. Every time we went to visit my Mother's Parents, right before we were to go back home, my Papa (grandfather) would give me a dollar to take home with me.

Last weekend, we were able to see my parents for only a tiny bit. But just before we left, my Dad carried on the tradition from when I was a little girl. He gave the Little Ones a dollar --- and he made bow ties out of them. (shh... don't tell my Little Ones but my Dad had to borrow a dollar from my Mom - giggle)

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:38:28 GMT

The wagon rests in winter, the sleigh in summer, the horse never. ~Yiddish Proverb

Every Wed we have horseback riding lessons. Today, Mrs. Kathy took the two oldest Little Ones on a Trail Ride through the pastures and through the woods.

(The Little Lady rode Smokey. The Little Man road Rocky.)

Smoky is an Appaloosa. He is a younger pony. He is 5 years old which is the exact age of the Little Lady. Smoky is not docile like Rocky. He is actually very stubborn. Mrs. Kathy says he is the perfect horse for the Little Lady because Smoky challenges her but still is a safe horse. (She has been riding Rocky for the past two years.) The Little Lady gets frustrated with Smoky because he doesn't obey her every command but she likes him because he does more than just steps over logs. She is very excited that she "graduated" up to Smoky.

Apparently, The Little Man got a little frustrated with Rocky because he wasn't doing the fun things that sister's Pony was doing. The Little Man kept saying "Mrs. Kathy I want to trot faster and be the leader. I want to do what Sister is doing!" Mrs. Kathy kept saying, "Rocky is perfect for you and you need to get bigger to lead." If you notice his feet don't even reach the stir ups.

When Mrs. Kathy, Little Lady and the Little Man were gearing up, the Little Gentleman wanted to go to. He went in the tact room and put on a helmet. (giggle) He was disappointed that he couldn't go. Mrs. Kathy said she would give him a turn and let him sit on Rocky when they get back. He waited patiently so he received his turn.

The next thing I knew, the Little Lady was leading the Gentleman around the arena.

I think the Little Lady is gaining up on us by being very smart about getting her siblings to like horses too.

The question of the day was "When are we going to get a horse?"

My answer, "You will have to ask your Dad."

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:23:36 GMT

Standardized Test: Can you answer the question of the day? http://apps.collegeboard.com/qotd/question.do

Recently, I was reading some information from the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. http://www.hslda.org/docs/study/ray2009/default.asp I was amazed to read the “statistics” about homeschooler who had been tested with Standardized Testing for the 2009 year.

Never being “BIG” on the test myself, mainly because of the history of the dumbing down the test over the years since 1950’s, (And that fact that I don't like taking them! - giggle - Who does?) I was a little curious to see how my curriculum stacked up against the test. So, I ordered the SAT “practice” book that prepares the Children to take the test for the 1^st and 2^nd grade.

Since, the LIttle Lady (age 5) finished her K level curriculum over the summer I went ahead and started her on her 1st grade stuff. So naturally I had her material in hand so I could see how her curriculum stacked up against the test. Imagine my surprise, when I was looking through the SAT booklet for the first and second grade, and I found out that the curriculum I am using is above the SAT requirements for both grades. (yeah!)

I know it is crazy to be a little concern since I have a degree that allows me to teach in the Elementary grades. You see, I personally think it is harder for one to teach their own child than it is to teach a group of 30 Children. For some reason, Momma’s with teaching degrees tend to be conscientious and a little bit nervous of the feeling that they could “mess” up their own child. Yet, I wonder why I never though twice at ruining the education of 25 children that weren't mine! (In my case it wasn't 25 Children but actually 15 1st grader, 15 2nd graders, and 15 3rd graders with two other teachers! I am sure you are going to ask about why it was 45 Children? I was put with a Florida experimental program in a under privilege public school with the Florida Teacher of the Year. -- But, still I never thought twice because I was trained! -- I look back and think "Oh. so blind, dumb, and silly!")

Anyway, isn’t it wonderful that God knows that some Momma’s just need a little peace and assurance every now and then. I am thinking it must have been what I needed. You see, I am doing the “Classical Christian” approach. Since, I know no one personally that is doing the curriculum, that I can sit and visit with on a regular basis, it is nice to know that I am staying above the norm in these younger grades. Nope, I am not nearly as confident in my older years at this teaching thing! I think mainly because I can't even begin to tell you how much I have learned about myself. Children really do show you where your strengths and weaknesses are at! .... And I get to see those strength and weaknesses being mulitiplied by 4 Children.

I think for my own peace of mind, to make sure that my Little Ones are staying at least on target, also to have the paper for our portfolio, I am going to have the LIttle Ones take a "test". Since, we may come to a point where we won't know what state we are going to be in and each state has different requirements, I don't think it will hurt anyway. Who is going to see them but me anyway? Here is a link that was recommended to me. If you are interested, it is a place where you can order the test for your student (public/private or homeschooler) http://thurbers.net/

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:21:28 GMT

Praise You In This Storm (By Casting Crowns)

I first heard this song a little over 4 years ago after a tragic event in our Unit. The song gave me comfort then and still gives me comfort now. Matter of fact, I pull this song out every time we have something tragic to happen in our Unit. The last two months, I have pulled this song out 3 times. Most recently though, was just this past week. I drove down to Georgia with the 4 Little Ones by myself, (Beloved flew) to attend a Military Memorial Service. I can not express adequately how I feel when I attend such events. But, I can tell you that I am so Blessed to know Men (and their Families) that are "Real Heros". I have been forever changed by their sacrifice!

(This video images are not of our unit but due to the first time I heard it, the images seem to touch me more than all the other videos that I have viewed.)

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:01:14 GMT

The only thing worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping child. ~Joe Houldsworth

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:30:44 GMT

"A child reminds us that play time is an essential part of our daily routine." - Unknown

My Sister's picked her 2 Kiddos up from School last week and drove all the way up to my house to see us during their fall break! We were so excited. Kelly's visit was definitely timely. We needed a couple of fun days since Beloved was on a business trip.

Once Kelly and the boys got here, we began "Partying Preschool" style! Now what does "Partying Preschool" style mean? Well, It means it is just ME and MY SISTER with 6 CHIlDREN under the AGE of 6. And that means, we are painting the town with giggles, some times with a little Whine, but most definitely with Kelly and I loaded up on CAFFEINE. (Me on Pepsi and Kelly on Diet Coke)

Our FIRST day adventure was to the ZOO!

Our SECOND day adventure was to some Consignment Shops! Yes, you know we had to get some of that in! But, then we went Bowling.

Now as you will see our group doesn't care about technique. We just care that we get the bowling ball down the lane. And can you say, "Thanks You" to whoever invented the gutter bumpers!"

Trying to do the arm swing... with a very loud "Ca-plunk!"

The in-between the legs throw...

The push the ball... (Not a good angle of me, dear! I will get you back for taking such a picture of me!)

The jump up and down, it is my first time bowling, throw...

And the professional.... who would roll it down the lane only to have it stop half way down!

Our THIRD day adventure was to the Pumpkin Patch that we attended a couple weekends ago. We had a lot of fun the second time around too.

We did all the things with the Kiddos that we did the weekend before but one thing we got to see this time that we missed the last time we were there was the Swine Races! Oh yes! Here we are "Rooting" for pigs! A very "Squealing" thing to do! Okay, well there are a lot of fake smiles in this picture! It was getting close to the end of the day.

Thank Kelly for coming up!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:08:09 GMT

Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises. - Demosthenes

This fall, we had the opportunity to put the Little Ones in Soccer again since we had a few slow "business" trip months. The Soccer season seemed short to me. It was only for 8 weeks and those weeks seemed to fly by. Last night was the Little Lady's final game.

Here is a picture of her little team. (Not everyone is pictured)

The Little Lady enjoyed Soccer. She made several soccer goals, made friends, and got some exercise. But, as y'all know, she lives and breaths horses so to her this was just something to do on the side. (giggle)

Last night, she was excited to receive a picture plaque and a trophy for participating. She also thought it was funny that at the "end of the season" soccer party, the coach said to everyone, "This little girl is very quiet but when she does speak she uses big words!" - I thought it was funny too and not quite adequate because Beloved and I often find ourselves asking for our ears to be given a break! Matter of fact, all of our Chidlren express themselves very well.

(Picture taken after the game. It was a tough game. They ran the ball up and down the field for 10 minutes before one of the little boys on our team got the only goal of the game.)

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:57:06 GMT

" I was fortunate to serve at a time and in a place that allowed me to experiement by using pins to communicate a diplomatic message. One might scoff and say that my pins didn't exactly shake the world. To that I can reply only that shaking the world is precisely the opposite of what diplomats are placed on Earth to do" - Madeleine Albright

“READ MY PINS – Stories from a diplomat’s Jewelry Box” By Madeleine Albright.

This is an absolute fabulous book. My lovely sister, gave it to me for an early birthday gift! When she was here for a visit we drove to our local zoo. I read it out loud all the way there and all the way home. I finished the book just as we drove into my drive way! I absolutely adored it but then I have something in common with Mrs. Albright! We both are broach/pin collectors! (I collect antique rhinestone broaches/pins. I have over 100 of them!) Imagine my excitement when I sat down and read stories about her pins. I enjoyed every minute of it.

The book begins this way, “It would never have happened if not for Saddam Hussein. When U.S Ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright criticized the dictator, his poet in residence responded by calling her ‘an unparalleled serpent’. Shortly afterwards, while preparing to met with Iraqi officials, Albright pondered: What to wear? She decided to make a diplomatic statement by choosing a snake pin. Although her method of communication was new, her message was as old as the American Revolution—Don’t Tread On Me.”

Although Mrs. Albright uses many symbols to deliver sharp messages when she dealt with most middle east talks, she also wore pins to send "sweeter' messages. When she was invited to The thelonious Monk Institute of Ja ss and they presented a lifetime achievement award to Stevie Wonder, she actually wore an entire jazz band of pins on her jacket! (10 pins)

Now, I have to say, there were so many interesting stories about why she wore certain pins for different events but I think all of us ladies would find this interesting just because our “Mother Hearts” can connect with Mrs. Albrights. This is what she wrote, “One set of pins that I bought for myself consist of a trio of brilliant enamels, each showing a ship at sea. Those familiar with history have asked me whether the ship represent the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. I reply with a smile, for people should think what they want. In reality, I bought the pins with my three daughters in mind; the ships are beautiful, graceful and moving along at full sail, having long since left home port.”

GOOOOO get the book from your library! It is a quick read and there are short snippets of stories that are intersting even to a non-broach-collector.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:49:24 GMT

All great change in America begins at the dinner table. -Ronald Reagan

My Mom, while she was here helping out with the new baby, must have figured out that I needed more dinner dishes! A week or so ago, an Anniversary gift came in the mail because although our anniversary isn't until Nov 15, Beloved won't be home for it! So, she sent us our gift early! Beloved and I were so funny! Who knew both of us would be SO happy about receiving dishes that matched the pattern of our other dishes? My Mom always sends the most thoughtful "home" gifts for our Anniversary. Thanks Mom! (and Dad - giggle)

Monday, October 19, 2009

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:56:30 GMT

Clothed in purple and fine linen. - Bible quotes

Hmmm. Do you think Purple is a good color on me? A girl must learn her color pallet, you know?