BigM Adventures

I wish I'd said that

2011-05-10T10:25:00.002-04:00

I'M SORRY, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IT

By Coach Dave Daubenmire
May 5, 2011

I take no pleasure in saying this, but I don’t believe it.

It is a sad state of affairs that we have reached the point where you can’t believe anything you hear. In fact, you can’t even believe what you see.

Call me whatever name you want to, ridiculing me won’t shut me up. The truth is you just can’t believe it any more.

It, you say. What is it?

Everything…anything…you just can’t believe it anymore. Modern-day America is just one big pack of lies, told by a cadre of liars.

I’m sorry…whatever it is…I don’t believe it.

How about you? Do you believe them? Do you believe the malarkey they are trying to feed us?
I’m not sure which makes me angrier…the lying…or them thinking I am dumb enough to believe the lies.

That’s why I have adopted a new position; A variation of Ronald Reagan’s “Trust but verify” philosophy.

I don’t trust until I verify. That’s my new motto.

They tell us that:

• Bin Laden is dead.
• They buried him in the ocean.
• He was unarmed.
• We can’t handle the pictures.
• That terrorism is crippled.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it.

They tell us that:

• Obama was born in America.
• His birth certificate is authentic.
• He loves America.
• He is eligible to be President.
• He loves Jesus more than Mohammed.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it.

They want us to believe that:

• Republicans are for smaller government.
• Republicans want to stop abortion.
• Republicans are for the free market.
• Republicans believe in individual liberty.
• Republicans are better than Democrats.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it.

They tell us:

• The economy is improving.
• The dollar is strong.
• Don’t buy silver and gold.
• The stock market is safe.
• The bankers are honest.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it.

They tell us that Secular Jews:

• Don’t control the media.
• Don’t control Hollywood.
• Don’t control the financial systems of the world.
• Aren’t behind the ACLU and SPLC.
• Are a discriminated, powerless minority and if I speak out I am anti-Semitic.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it.

They want us to believe:

• Our schools are doing a great job.
• We need to spend more on education.
• Higher education is not controlled by communists.
• The Department of Education improves education.
• Our students haven’t been purposefully dumbed-down.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it.

They have tried to convince us that:

• Individual gun ownership makes us less safe.
• The courts can be trusted.
• Judges are impartial.
• Our elections are honest and the voting machines are tamper proof.
• Every vote counts and all votes are counted.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it.

They have tried hard to sell us the idea that:

• Fox News is fair and balanced.
• Bill O’Reilly is looking out for you.
• Hannity is not a Republican cheerleader.
• Limbaugh doesn’t carry Republican water.
• Fox News is not controlled by the Saudis.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it.

They have tried to convince us that:

• Homosexuality is normal.
• Women don’t regret their abortions.
• Planned Parenthood is good for women.
• Our tax dollars don’t fund abortions.
• God is ambivalent about child-killing.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it.

They want us to believe that:

• Our elected officials go to Washington to serve us.
• They follow the Constitution.
• Power doesn’t corrupt.
• There is a right to healthcare but not a right to life.
• There are honest people in Washington.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it.

Pastors tell us that:

• The rapture is going to rescue us.
• God is love and does not believe in judging.
• Government schools are good for Christian kids.
• We should stay out of politics.
• If we send them $100, God will send us $1000.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it.

Never in American history have so many lies been told by so many, so often, about so much.

I don’t trust until I verify. Turn on your truth-detector.

Wake up. No one is looking out for you.

http://www.newswithviews.com/Daubenmire/dave236.htm

Read more:http://grandmaw.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=chat&action=display&thread=5517#ixzz1LxYd3w6J

Crossing Over

2011-04-30T10:23:00.000-04:00

DS crossed over from Cub Scouts to BOY Scouts last night. It was awesome! It took all I had not to cry standing up there. They started with a beautiful ceremony for his Arrow of Light Badge/Award. After that, he stood next to DH and I as the Boy Scouts crossed a bridge to him, invited them to "their side", removed his neckerchief and slide and handed them to me. They all crossed back over the bridge and as he stood there, getting his tabs changed from blue to green, I remember thinking he had never seemed so far away.

So far my son is turning into a very fine young man indeed. I really hope he stays the course. He wants to become an Eagle Scout and a member of "The Order of the Arrow". An exclusive inner club of the Scouts. If he sticks with these goals they will really help him stay the course and become the man I know he can be.

We are so, so proud!

BigM

Picking up where I left off

2011-04-25T12:27:00.002-04:00

Isn't really an option at this point. I've been a bad bad blogger. With this in mind, I am resolving to blog once a week, on Saturdays, when I have few if any "real" commitments. I promise, Dear Readers, to do my very best to never again leave you in the dark as to the adventures occurring at BigM's house! The two biggest adventures we have been on were going to Indiana for a month last December and moving into a house in January. We got the house as payment for our new job as care takers of our church. It has been a lot of ups and downs, but we pull through every time!

TTFN,

BigM

Wow Have we Been Busy!

2010-08-25T06:34:00.009-04:00

Looking back to my last post I realize how fast time flies! Yikes! I'm going to update as best I can, trying to put things into chronological order....

My Oldest little brother had his first baby. A beautiful boy who looks just like him!

This is my littlest little bro and my nephew.

We have found a really cool church. We have been very involved with it and Love it! The kids were all Baptized the Sunday after Easter. Unfortunately the pics didn't turn out. :(

DH "dropped" two, count 'em two, wild hogs in the yard and then we processed them into the freezer. I also got my first try at making chorizo (which we didn't care for, my fault I think), and breakfast sausage. THAT was good stuff now!

BR turned 11. She had a really cool "Beach Themed" party with a beach ball pinata, bubbles and a "sand castle" cake.

Little J joined scouts and had his 10th birthday. His theme was "A Campfire". We made some REALLY cool hot dog cookers and his cake was awesome!

DH and I celebrated another anniversary at the end of May.

We went to the "Annual Rib Fest" where we say Charlie Daniels play. That was WAAAAYYYY coool!

We started a new Sunday School class called "God's Garden" for special needs kids. It really hasn't taken off but I'm still hopeful.

Somewhere in there I started taking Aikido. I enjoy it immensely! A couple of weeks ago I got my first Aikido belt. I'm super excited! As long as my attacker is standing still I can defend myself!

I made a friend from Scouts and our families got together and went swimming at the river. They are a HSing family with a SN kid too, so they are really easy to talk to.

Everyone has made new friends through the church. We house sat for some of them over the4th of July. That is when we were adopted by our cat, Bobby. He is half bob-cat and uber~cute (now)! When he found me he had fleas crawling out of his eyes, ear mites and looked like he hadn't eaten in awhile. He was also developing bald spots from the fleas. We got him cleaned up with some good ol' Dawn tho, and now he's healthy as the rest of us, and just as ornery! lol That is also the weekend I sang at church for the first time. I was nervous but got through it ok. I did well enough that they asked me to sing again.

We went and saw our first baseball game! The Mariners. I LOVED it! Much better than watching it on TV!

Our freezer quit working. By the time I realized it everything in it was thawed completely. So we had a cookout and then I did what I could with the rest. I canned two whole chickens and the broth they made. All in all we lost very little!

We took both dogs in to get "fixed" at the beginning of August. Bear doesn't seem to be doing very well. I'm actually a bit concerned for him.

Doesn't he look about pitiful??

We attend family movie night most every month at church and DH runs the popcorn machine. It generally is a really good time!

Before Aikido class, I plan to practice singing "Alabaster Box". I'm supposed to sing it this weekend. Pastor "walked in" on me practicing last week and then asked me to plan something once a month for the next 6 or 7 months. I guess I'm part of the music ministry now! Woohoo! Now to pick the songs!

I think that just about covers it. I'll probably think of more later. Like how we went to a rodeo and the kids got to participate. Or how A got to try riding a sheep.

Or BR's new glasses that we got from here.

Or the time we made a solar cooker out of a pizza box and then made lunch in it!

Maybe about the church's ball field that DH has adopted. Ooo! Ooo! Or that we joined a kick ball league! I guess that doesn't really count since it hasn't started yet. You know, my life really isn't as boring as it seems, at least not from a distance!

TTFN,

Gossip...

2010-03-09T11:45:00.014-05:00

I have always struggled in this area. I think a lot of women do. I recently realized that it has been rearing it's ugly head recently. I have decided to take an active stance against it in my own life. I have found that a good way to go about this is to study the problem so that I can recognize it more readily. Let us begin shall we??

First... What exactly IS gossip?? Is it relating any story or situation?? Maybe only the ones that the particular someone wouldn't want repeated?? Maybe it is talking out of hand?? If I am "venting" to a friend is that gossip?? It seems to be a "cloudy" area, and I'm not a fan of overcast conditions.

According to Wikipedia gossip is...

Gossip is idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others. It forms one of the oldest and most common means of sharing (unproven) facts and views, but also has a reputation for the introduction of errors and other variations into the information transmitted. The term also carries implications that the news so transmitted (usually) has a personal or trivial nature, as opposed to normal conversation.

Normal Conversation ... allow people with different views on a topic to learn from each other... A successful conversation includes mutually interesting connections between the speakers or things that the speakers know. For this to happen, those engaging in conversation must find a topic on which they both can relate to in some sense. Those engaging in conversation naturally tend to relate the other speaker's statements to themselves. They may insert aspects of their lives into their replies, to relate to the other person's opinions or points of conversation....

So it seems that it is a fine line between gossip and normal conversation. That being said, one is harmful and the other is not. If you are relating your own experiences with out being nasty about someone else, that is conversation. If you are telling me all about so-n-so's marital problems etc., that is gossip and could potentially hurt someone.

Now that I have a definition I can turn to my Bibles to determine the rest. What does the Bible say about it?? Here is what I have found... (for those who are KJV only, I believe it uses "idle tongue" but I could be mistaken. You can just look up these verses in your personal Bible to compare them.)

Proverbs 11:12-13 (NIV)

¹² A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

¹³ A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

So a gossip doesn't keep trusted secrets. Have you been guilty of this?? "Don't tell anyone but..." I have. Lord forgive me this sin and help me to never repeat it again!!

Proverbs 16:27-29 (NIV)

²⁷ A scoundrel plots evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire.

²⁸ A perverse man stirs up dissension,
and a gossip separates close friends.

²⁹ A violent man entices his neighbor
and leads him down a path that is not good.

I see this as a type of... "defense" mechanism. You keep friends separate by telling them "things" about the other. By extension, they like YOU more than each other. This is a form of passive aggressive behavior.

Passive–aggressive behavior (negative personality trait) is .... a personality trait marked by a pervasive pattern of negative attitudes and passive, usually disavowed resistance in interpersonal or occupational situations... It is a defense mechanism, and usually only partly conscious

Proverbs 18:7-9 (NIV)

⁷ A fool's mouth is his undoing,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.

⁸ The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.

⁹ One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys.

According to verse 8, gossip sinks into your soul like food goes through your body.

So a gossip is someone who lacks judgment, causes problems, is untrustworthy, perverse, violent, a slacker and a fool!

1 Timothy 5:12-14 (NIV)

¹²Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. ¹³Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. ¹⁴So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.

So we are to keep ourselves busy (as women) taking care of the kids and the house and such. For some that means working outside the home, for others inside the home. The point is to be busy doing things that should be done instead of blabbing on the phone or running around willy-nilly. This is a struggle for me. I would have a phone implant if I could. Fortunately at our currant residence the phone isn't as much of an option since my phone doesn't like it here. Who would have thought that would be a GOOD thing!

People who gossip are to be avoided.

Proverbs 20:19 (NIV)

¹⁹ A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid a man who talks too much.

Fights die out without gossip.

Proverbs 26:20 (NIV) ²⁰ Without wood a fire goes out;

without gossip a quarrel dies down.

Have you ever been upset with someone so you call another to "vent"? Do you feel better after getting off the phone?? No, you usually feel WORSE! Take it to God, not the phone, and you will feel better and the quarrel will die out.

Romans 1:28-30 (NIV)

²⁸Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. ²⁹They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, ³⁰slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;

OUCH!! I certainly do NOT want to be in with THAT crowd!!

So far we have learned what gossip is and what it isn't, what to expect from a gossip and what kinds of people God puts gossips with. I have already admitted that I have this problem. The question now is.. What to do about it??

First, ask God for forgiveness and help. He will help you if you truly want it. Remember that God knows what is in your heart. Next, be actively aware of the conversations you are in. Try to change the subject. If that doesn't work, remove yourself from the situation. If you "can't" then simply don't participate. It's hard to hold a conversation by yourself (though I have seen it happen). If you know someone who is a "known gossip" then avoid them as much as possible if not all together. Remember not to give them information you don't want thrown around because they are an untrustworthy lot. I have been known (recently) to say, "let's change the subject because this isn't who I want to be". You will be rewarded for your efforts. Either your friends will understand and support you, or be offended and not. Either way you can and will overcome this sin!

I hope those of you feeling convicted will take the next step to eradicate this from your lives. Those of you who aren't, well you aren't and that's not my business. I personally felt that being open and honest with family, friends and blog~land was a good first step for me.

TTFN,

I got it!!! (and other updates)

2010-01-14T06:07:00.007-05:00

I went with your advice dear readers and ordered desk No. 3!! I ended up getting it for a total of $137 after taxes and shipping!! Woo hoo!! It was ordered on Sunday the 10th with an expected arrival date of Tuesday (?) the 18th. I was a bit disappointed that it would take that long but hey, what can ya do?

To keep me busy, on Tuesday, my order of round tins came in for my spices!! Woo hoo!! I was so excited I tore open the box immediately...

I got three different sizes, though they had many to choose from...

And got to work. First I dug out my spices. These are just a few...

Then I labeled them with permanent marker...

And filled them up...

Next came the tricky part. Super glue. I hate the stuff, or rather my evident lack of ability to use it without gluing myself to... myself. I did ok this time though. I used a Q-Tip to apply the glue and only got stuck to something or other about a dozen times or so.

(*A* took this pic so it's a little blurry but you get the idea.)

I also glued strips to the inside of a cabinet to attach them to. It worked out beautifully, but the glue is not adhering to the cabinet like I want it to so I will use my staple gun on them later today. Remember the movie "Christmas Vacation" with Chevy Chase hanging his lights?? Pray for me...

I can not believe how cool this project turned out!! It is going to open up an entire cabinet for me!! Any spices that didn't fit will go in a tub to be stored else where until needed for a refill.

Here is a random pic of Bear, the puppy that was born in October..

While working on this project I got a call from my FIL saying that my desk had arrived all ready!! I hot footed it over there only to discover that it was just one of the two boxes. :( Knowing that with my luck, box two would wait until the 18th to get here.

Then last night I got another call from Dear FIL. That's right... the second box has arrived!! I'm supposed to go pick it up today, but I think I'll call him and ask if he can drop it off for me. I won't be able to lift it out of the truck once I got it home, and I'd like to get started on putting it together today if at all possible. Wish me "luck"!

I'm so very excited!

TTFN,
Me

P.S. If you decide to try this just let me add... USE INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH VELCRO... MAKE SURE NOT TO MIX AND MATCH VELCRO TYPES!! lol If the fuzzy part doesn't match the "sticky" they will fall off if you put force behind opening the cabinet. Probably not a big deal in a house, but in a camper??? The cabinets are made so that they will not open during transport so....

Me

I need your help!!

2010-01-03T07:29:00.005-05:00

OK, so we didn't get into the camper on time. Things happen. :( However we have made progress since CHRISTmas. Things I HAVE accomplished are

~lining the cabinets and drawers
~all of the painting is completed
~ flooring into the kids room, and on the slide out floor
~the table is put together, but DH and I can not agree on how to fit it in. (It isn't going to fit where I had originally planned unless I don't want to use my best cabinet.)
~first roofing coat is on (though we have to wait for the weather to warm up before applying the second coat)
~bought a new refrigerator (at a discount I might add!)

So dear blog land, I now need your help with computer desks. I need something small, but not compact, with storage (if possible) at a good price. I'm going to put in a picture of the flooring where it will go and the table that will be (sort of) next to it. Then pictures, or links if that won't work, of my top three choices with the pros and cons I see of each one.

First, the table...

And this is where the desk will sit...

Now for the desk options...

No. 1~ It is the "right" color and price range, but has absolutely no storage capabilities at all.

No. 2~ Doesn't match, has no real storage but is on sale this week for 15% off.

No.3~ Has useful storage, good size, wrong color (but matches the bed I will be putting opposite of it). The price isn't "great", but my Father-In-Law gets a discount so that helps. This is my favorite option but DH thinks it is to spend-ie. *I* think that the price is within range given what you get.

So, dear readers, what do you choose?

The perfect Gift!!

2009-12-12T10:57:00.002-05:00

Don't you hate when you ask something what they want and the reply is... "Nothing really"? Well here is the solution!!

TTFN!
Me

Re-Post from last year

2009-12-05T09:52:00.001-05:00

Are you getting ready for next year??

I am!! I have to. If I waited until fall to start I'd spend WAAAAAYYYY to much and that makes my wallet hurt! I had seen something on a web site earlier in the year to help keep me going through out the year, but then I couldn't remember where I found it. Soooo, I decided to take what I could remember and run with it. This is what I came up with....

This is the front cover of my CHRISTmas notebook. I used a spiral bound note card book. Having started to use it I wish I had used a note card binder instead so I would have a little more flexability.

This page starts my first section.

Our Traditions.....

The next divider looks like this, can you guess what the section is??

Did you guess?? I know you did! It's "people to buy for". I only included a sample of the pages to give you an idea. The first page is a complete list of peeps. Then a couple of pages that look something like this. DH, the kids and Mom each get their own page. The kids pages have a list of those that they get gifts for as well, to help keep track.

Then we come to the next divider, "stuffer stuff"....
Stuffers are my nemasis. First, because they get expensive quickly, and secondly, I usually buy enough to fill 6 of them.

I have a "fabalus" arrangement with my BF where I get her stuff and she gets mine, and then we ship them to each other. I LOVE this!! Each stocking gets it's own page....

The next divider starts my CHRISTmas timeline...

My countdown starts in November...

and goes through the day AFTER CHRISTmas....

The next section is more or less "miscellaneous"...

I've included things not to forget (Santa brings a new tooth brush in our stockings every year). As you can see, I have a line for each type of battery. I just write the number of batteries for each item next to the appropriate type and mark it out when I buy them.

It seems every year I end up with a couple of things I changed my mind about later....

I'm going to add another page for gift ideas. That way if I see something for someone, but have to wait to get it, I can reference back later. It will have the item, price, where I saw it and who I think would enjoy it. I can also take the time to find it elsewhere for less that way! Win, win!

I love this idea and have already implemented it. It looks more daunting a task than it is. Start to finish it only took me about 30 minutes. Wrapping the pages isn't a must, but it makes for great dividers and helps keep the CHRISTmas spirit going. It's the perfect size to fit in my purse so I can keep it with me. I'll never have to try to remember what I've picked up where for whom again!! "Fabalus!!"

Me

Bean Bag Beds

2009-11-30T13:07:00.009-05:00

I recently made three VERY large bean bag beds and thought I'd tell all of blog land about it!

First I needed to locate a bunch of beans for filling them. Now, if you look around you will notice that they are extremely expensive! E-bay has them for about $30 PLUS shipping for 11 cu ft!! I figured I would need 30 + per bag soooo. .. that price was NOT going to work! lol I did find a finished bag at WM for $60, but they only had one color and no outer bag. That means I wouldn't be able to wash it at all... not an option!

Then I discovered that I could contact a local foam manufacturer and buy them directly. They price them at $15 for 20 cu ft. The only stipulation is that your order has to be $100 or more. I talked to a friend and we decided that between the two of us we would need 9 bags, 6 being the minimum order. So, with her van emptied out and the back seat folded in we were off.

Let me start by saying that we seriously underestimated the size of these bags!! ROFL!!

Here they are filling the first bag...

This is my friend next to one of the bags. She's... 5' 10" I think...

Now... to get these suckers into her van!!! We had a heck of a time! At one point one of the bags got a hole in it and beans started spewing out like a water hose on full blast!! The whole roof of the van was covered in beans!

We were only able to stuff 5 of the bags in there. Poor Mrs. C had to go back to get the last 4!! Fortunately Mr. C was able to keep her company on the journey as I was not.

Now for the fun part! I went back to the dreaded WM and picked up 3 flat sheets. One for each bag.

I laid the sheet out, folded it top to bottom (right sides OUT) and sewed one short end and the long side...

I did a super-uber stitch to make sure it is good and strong. I also sewed the stitch on the outside so that if it does get a hole it will be easy to find and fix.

Now the scary.... I mean fun part! Filling them!!

Here I am contemplating my next move...

(try to ignore the surrounding garage mess)

Here I am trying to get the bag around the bag of filler without spewing beans all over the place... (I highly recommend NOT talking on the phone at this point)

Then I aquired the help of my DD, BR, and turned the whole thing over so I could remove the bag...

(She's the one behind the camera, btw)

Then I ever so gingerly sewed the remaining side closed and tested it out!

As you can see, we did get a few beans on the floor but nothing to bad!

For a cover I took another full sized flat sheet, folded it top to bottom (right sides together) and sewed it with a straight stitch on two sides. Voila!! All together each bag cost less than $35 start to finish!!

TTFN,
Me

The Philosophy of Ambiguity

2009-11-20T09:29:00.000-05:00

The Philosophy of Ambiguity

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE PHILOSOPHY OF AMBIGUITY, AS WELL AS THE IDIOSYNCRASIES OF ENGLISH:

Please enjoy and understand the following

1. DON'T SWEAT THE PETTY THINGS AND DON'T PET THE SWEATY THINGS.

2. ONE TEQUILA, TWO TEQUILA, THREE TEQUILA, FLOOR.

3. ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANIZATION.

4. IF MAN EVOLVED FROM MONKEYS AND APES, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE MONKEYS AND APES?

5. THE MAIN REASON THAT SANTA IS SO JOLLY IS BECAUSE HE KNOWS WHERE ALL THE BAD GIRLS LIVE.

6. I WENT TO A BOOKSTORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN, "WHERE'S THE SELF- HELP SECTION?" SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.

7. WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?

8. IF A DEAF CHILD SIGNS SWEAR WORDS, DOES HIS MOTHER WASH HIS HANDS WITH SOAP?

9. IF SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES THREATENS TO KILL HIMSELF, IS IT CONSIDERED A HOSTAGE SITUATION?

10. IS THERE ANOTHER WORD FOR SYNONYM?

11. WHERE DO FOREST RANGERS GO TO "GET AWAY FROM IT ALL?"

12. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU SEE AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL EATING AN ENDANGERED PLANT?

13. IF A PARSLEY FARMER IS SUED, CAN THEY GARNISH HIS WAGES?

14. WOULD A FLY WITHOUT WINGS BE CALLED A WALK?

15. WHY DO THEY LOCK PETROL STATION BATHROOMS? ARE THEY AFRAID SOMEONE WILL CLEAN THEM?

16. IF A TURTLE DOESN'T HAVE A SHELL, IS HE HOMELESS OR NAKED?

17. CAN VEGETARIANS EAT ANIMAL CRACKERS?

18. IF THE POLICE ARREST A MIME, DO THEY TELL HIM HE HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT?

19. WHY DO THEY PUT BRAILLE ON THE DRIVE-THROUGH BANK MACHINES?

20. HOW DO THEY GET DEER TO CROSS THE ROAD ONLY AT THOSE YELLOW ROAD SIGNS?

21. WHAT WAS THE BEST THING BEFORE SLICED BREAD?

22. ONE NICE THING ABOUT EGOTISTS: THEY DON'T TALK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE.

23. DOES THE LITTLE MERMAID WEAR AN ALGEBRA?

24. DO INFANTS ENJOY INFANCY AS MUCH AS ADULTS ENJOY ADULTERY?

25. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CIVIL WAR?

26. IF ONE SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER DROWNS, DO THE REST DROWN TOO?

27. IF YOU ATE BOTH PASTA AND ANTIPASTO, WOULD YOU STILL BE HUNGRY?

28. IF YOU TRY TO FAIL, AND SUCCEED, WHICH HAVE YOU DONE?

29. WHOSE CRUEL IDEA WAS IT FOR THE WORD 'LISP' TO HAVE 'S' IN IT?

30. WHY ARE HEMORRHOIDS CALLED "HEMORRHOIDS" INSTEAD OF "ASSTEROIDS"?

31. WHY IS IT CALLED TOURIST SEASON IF WE CAN'T SHOOT AT THEM?

32. WHY IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE ON SOUR CREAM?

33. IF YOU SPIN AN ORIENTAL PERSON IN A CIRCLE THREE TIMES, DO THEY BECOME DISORIENTED?

34. CAN AN ATHEIST GET INSURANCE AGAINST ACTS OF GOD?

Painting Stripes

2009-11-06T08:02:00.004-05:00

I (finally) got the bathroom painted yesterday!! Woo hoo!!! It is called "Summer Camp". I thought that a light buttery yellow in a confined space would be nice. The color doesn't show up real well in pictures but I really like it in person. It calms me.....

After that, I spent half the day putting up tape for my stripe experiment in the kitchen. I put 1" stripes every 6". It was a tedious task to say the least! In a camper you have very little "open wall space" to work with, and the spaces that ARE there can be a bit hard to reach. I got it though. I was a bit nervous after taping thinking that it looked funny. But I told myself, "Maybe it's the tape."

So I put on the first coat of yellow paint and went to work on the bathroom a bit. When I came back I thought...

"Yeah, it must be the tape throwing it off. "

With a nervous look on my face and growing dread in a non-disclosed area of my stomach, I added a second coat saying, "I think I'll like it more with a second coat and the tape off. That tape sure is making it hard to 'see' it", and I went to finish the bathroom.

I worked on the bathroom a bit more, then returned to inspect my stripes. This was it... the big reveal... Checking that the stripe was mostly dry, I pulled off the first strip of tape... and then the second....

"Maybe it's the tape?" I thought nervously.

I removed more tape... "Please be the tape!?" The phrase started ringing in my head like church bells calling it's parishioners to service,

"The tape... please be the tape... it has to be the tape making it look wrong... the tape... please be the tape... it HAS to be the tape making it look wrong..."

as I frantically but slowly remove one strip after another. Finally... after what seemed an eternity... I had removed all of the tape.

"Groooaaannnn!!! It's not the tape!!!"

"Maybe if I step back and look at it??"

No such luck. The fact of the matter is that I spent half of my day painting what appear to be circus tent stripes on my kitchen walls only to discover.... I hate it...

So now I'm telling myself that maybe if I paint the window trim yellow and add some (real) curtains it will look ok?? Please??? I really do NOT want to paint over all that hard work and effort. I want to make it work. What do you think dear reader?? Do I paint over the circus stripes or make them work? How can I make them work?? I need your help!!

Yours on a tight rope,
Me

Camper Happenings

2009-11-02T07:44:00.006-05:00

My DH has been trying very hard to find extra time to spend on the camper. Our most recent improvement has been washing the out side. I must admit that I did not have high hopes. I did not expect to see much (if any) improvement in the before and after photos. You tell me what you see...

BEFORE...

AFTER...

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It looks brand spankin' NEW!!! Yippee!!!

In other camper news. I spent the better part of today working in the main part of the camper. I pulled out all of the (ugly) trim and painted it green. I LOVE it!!

I'm toying with the idea of vertical stripes... I just can't seem to picture it very well. I think I'll have to give it a go and then see what you all think. Have a blessed day!

TTFN,
Me

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T07:43:00.014-05:00

Most years, we don't "do" halloween. MOST years, we eat spooky treats while watching Goosebumps and that's it. THIS year, since we are in an actual neighborhood, I let the kids dress up and pass out candy instead. The catch was that they had to make their costumes. (I refuse to spend oodles of money on an outfit they will only wear once.) I did pick up a few accessories at the cost of $13, but that's it! I think we did really well. What do you think??

Sooo...

My son decided to be the burglar from the Sim game...

DD2 LOVES England. Anything English will do so she donned a Union Jack and a British accent for the evening...

DD1 wanted to be a painter. I searched hither and yon for a bar-rat... but alas a bandanna would have to do...

So I decided to be her painting... and DH my easel!!

While the costumes were great and very fun to make and come up with... they were the end of of it. We didn't get a single trick or treat-er. Not one!! In order to make our evening "complete", we watched Charlie Brown's "Great Pumpkin" cartoon. Unfortunately... I fell asleep!!

TTFN,
Me

We're MOVING!!! (again)

2009-10-20T09:12:00.025-04:00

Ok, we aren't moving until the end of January, but we are gearing up now. We thought and prayed long and hard. Then we decided to get a camper and find a place to boon-dock for awhile. Boon-docking is when you have electric and water access, but you aren't at a camp ground. Dry-docking is when you have no amenities and run off a gennie. If we can not find a place to BD then we will do the campground thing until we do find a place.

We ended up getting a used 36' 5th wheel. You may not know this ('cause I sure didn't) that there are a few different types of campers.

RV~ You drive these.
Pull Along~ You hook these to your hitch and you.... wait for it... pull it along.
5th Wheel~ These have an attachment that hooks to a special attachment that you put in the bed of your truck.
Pop-ups~ These are the tiny ones that go flat while hauling them.

This is a 5th Wheel (post type)

There are many more "types" but they all seem to stem from these main types.

Our camper has a slide out so we have more room when parked. It actually adds an additional 50 sq feet! (well, almost)

Being financially challenged we of course did not buy a new one. Heck, we didn't even get a gently used one for that matter! lol No, we found a heck of a deal on craigslist. She needed to off load it and we needed to get one so it all worked out for both parties involved. That being said, it needs work.

That is where this series of posts come in. I'm asking you, dear reader, for your help. We have a long list to accomplish and I really think your input will be great! I will be choosing flooring, material for curtains, furniture and light fixtures over the next few weeks. I will post pictures of my options and ask for your opinion. If it all works out I will not end up with orange walls and royal blue furniture! lol

For now, I will have to start with "before" pictures so your wheels can start to turn. I will tell you that we are thinking wood flooring in a lighter color to match the table that I purchased. It was a good deal I found while grocery shopping at Aldi's last Sunday.

Here are the rest of the pics...

(L) LR Cabinet

(R) Closet

(L) Bathroom Sink

(R) Shower

(B) Loo (as BR likes to call it!)

It even has a laundry "room"!!

This was taken before we moved the slide into the "out" position. You can see more of it in the photo above.

This will be the kids room. I will be revamping it in the next few weeks. I don't know why they left the chair. It is DEFINITELY leaving! Yuck!

As you can see, we have our work cut out for us! We are working on a plan of action that we will implement ASAP. The first step is to re-seal the roof and then rip out the remaining flooring. I hope to go to Lowe's today and have a look see!

TTFN,
Me

New Puppy!

2009-10-05T08:04:00.006-04:00

We suspected that our fur baby was expecting. She was changing shape but was not "Really" big so I figured that we could expect a litter in late October. She had other ideas!

On the first I noticed that she was not a happy camper. If you touched her mid section she would yelp in pain. I decided that she was stretching and therefore, sore. Then at 10:30 as we were at the home school table, she started yelping repeatedly from my bedroom. I run in to find her in my closet. When I picked her up I saw (to my surprise) a puppy rump!

Needless to say I was caught a bit unprepared! I had planned to do more research to refresh my memory that weekend and to make a vet appointment for the following week. Now here I am without a whelping box ready to go or any supplies at hand. I had the kids run and get me a couple of towels, the scissors and some rubber medical gloves and waited to see what would happen next.

Before the kids could get me the towels Gracie yelped in pain with the next contraction. I noticed that the puppy didn't move down at all and realized that the poor thing was stuck so I gave a gentle tug to move him along and waited. Then the towels came so I tried to hastily get them under the dog before the next contraction. No such luck.

The next contraction came and, though Gracie yelped a bit, he moved down, but not out. "This isn't good," I thought as I saw it was basically hanging by it's head. Next contraction and poor Gracie yelped repeatedly and the puppy didn't move. I grabbed a hold and applied traction but the cord was pulled taught. Grabbing the scissors I cut the cord with one hand while supporting the puppy with the other. Next contraction and (with a bit more force than I would have liked) I pulled downward on the puppy. With a pop I could both feel and hear it's head come free and Voila! A brand new puppy!

I stuck it in Gracie's face, but she was in pain and confused so I cleared the membrane and tried again. This time instinct kicked in and she started caring for her new charge. I put the puppy on the towels and put the whelping box together and moved them both in.

Gracie is now the VERY proud momma of a baby boy Lhasa-Poo who weighed 6 ounces at birth. The vet has given them a clean bill of health and both are doing great! Upon last inspection at 48 hours old, the puppy had gained another 2 ounces due to Gracie's superior milk.

*Update~ 4 days, 10 ounces

*Update~ 12 days old, weighing in at 1 1/2 LB! His eyes officially opened today!

At birth he was a wee-bit smaller than my hand.

Now look at him!!

We hope to find a great home for this little guy. (Just don't tell Gracie!)

Me

51 Uses for Baking Soda

2009-08-15T10:04:00.001-04:00

Who knew good ol' Arm n Hammer had so many uses?? Thanks British Woman!!!

1. Put an open container of baking soda in the fridge to absorb the odors.

2. Improve the smell of dish clothes by soaking them in baking soda and water.

3. Sprinkle it onto your cat’s litter box to absorb the bad odor.

4. Sprinkle it on your pet’s comb or brush to deodorize their fur and skin.

5. Dissolve a couple of tablespoons of baking soda in water in a microwave safe bowl, then bring to the boil in your microwave. Allow to sit for a minute or two, then you should easily be able to wipe out any baked on stains, plus your oven will microwave will smell fresher too.

6. Wash chemicals and pesticides off fruits and vegetables in a pot filled with water and 3 - 4 tablespoons of baking soda added.

7. Stains on porcelain sinks, toilets and plastics can be removed by applying a layer of baking soda and then using a damp sponge . I found this to work particularly well on a water stain in a sink that couldn't be shifted otherwise without the use of heavy duty chemicals and scratching the surface.

8. As an alternative to caustic soda for clearing blocked drains, throw a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a couple of jugs of boiling water.

9. Wash garbage cans with baking soda.

10. Wash out thermos bottles and cooling containers with baking soda and water to get rid of stale smells.

11. Run your coffee maker through its cycle with a baking soda solution. Rinse.

12. Polish silverware with dry baking soda on a damp cloth. Rub, rinse and dry.

13. For a badly-burned pan with a thick layer of burned-on food: pour a thick layer of baking soda directly onto the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle on just enough water so as to moisten the baking soda. Leave the pot overnight, then scrub it clean next day.

14. Soak your shower curtains in water and baking soda to clean them.

15. Sprinkle baking soda on your wet toothbrush and brush your teeth and dentures with it.

16. Apply baking soda directly to insect bites, rashes and poison ivy to relieve discomfort. Make a paste with water.

17. Take 1/2-teaspoon of baking soda in one-half glass of water to relieve acid indigestion or heartburn.

18. To relieve sunburn: use a paste of baking soda and water.

19. Reduce odor build-up in your dishwasher by sprinkling some baking soda on the bottom.

20. Run your dishwasher through its cycle with baking soda in it instead of soap to give it a good cleaning.

21.Making Play Clay with baking soda: combine 1 1/4 cups water, 2 cups soda, 1 cup cornstarch/cornflour.

22. Oil and grease -- stained clothing washes out better with baking soda added to the washing water.

23. Keep your drains clean and free-flowing by putting 4 tablespoons of soda in them each week. Flush the soda down with hot water.

24. To remove burned-on food from a pan: let the pan soak in baking soda and water for 10 minutes before washing. Or scrub the pot with dry soda and a moist scouring pad.

25. Add baking soda to water to soak dried beans to make them more digestible.

26. Oven Cleaner Dampen the floor of the oven, sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda and dampen again. Leave the mixture overnight and then remove with a cloth. Rinse with hot water.

27. Fabric Conditioner To make your own fabric conditioner, mix equal quantities of water, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar in a storage bottle, take care as the vinegar & soda will fizz up. Add ¼ cup of conditioner to your wash.

28. To remove the odour of onion and garlic from wooden or other porous surfaces, sprinkle some bicarb on to a damp cloth and rub into the surface. Rinse with water.

29. Air Freshener Mix 8 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with 3- 4 drops of essential oil and place in a bowl.

30. Use to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from toaster. Dampen cloth and make a mild abrasive with baking soda.

31. Cleaning Sinks Either place bicarbonate of soda directly onto a damp cloth or make up a paste of soda with a little water. Wipe around the sink & rinse well.

32. Cooker Tops As above, make a paste of soda & water and apply with a cloth. Wipe over well and rinse with cold water.

33. Clean formica counter tops with bicarbonate of soda on a damp sponge

34. Wash a cup of baking soda down a toilet or drain once a week to help maintain or restore the pH of a septic tank. The regular addition of baking soda helps prevent corrosion of concrete as well as metal septic tanks.

35. White sport socks cleaner - rub a paste of soda and water into the socks before normal washing. It will bring back the whiteness and get rid of the nasty smells too

36. Remove wine or grease stains from carpet by lightly sprinkling area with baking soda. Dab it up and add a little more if necessary. Leave on until the wine is absorbed, then vacuum up any residue left.

37. Use a paste of baking soda to remove tea & coffee stains from cups

38. To eliminate dog odors or just freshen up the air, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on your carpet where your dog lies and vacuum up. Leave the bicarbonate of soda on the carpet for half an hour. It also eliminates odor in your vacuum after it has been vacuumed up. A great way to freshen up your home air during the winter when everything is closed up.

39. To clean oily stains from your concrete paths and driveways just sprinkle baking soda over the area and scrub it with a wet brush or stiff broom.

40. Use bicarbonate of soda as an underarm deodorant

41. To remove strong odors from your hands, wet your hands and rub them hard with soda, then rinse

42. Use to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from toaster. Dampen cloth and make a mild abrasive with bicarbonate of soda.

43. Clean the oil and dirt from your hair brushes and combs by soaking them in a mixture of warm water and 2 teaspoons of baking soda.

44. De-grease and clean barbecue grills, make a paste by mixing equal parts Bicarbonate of Soda and water, apply with a wire brush, wipe clean, and dry with a cloth.

45. Clean the acid build on the battery terminals of your car or truck with a foam made up of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Make sure also to dry the battery terminals afterwards before starting the vehicle.

46. For silver pieces without raised patterns or cemented-on handles: place the silver on aluminum foil in an enamel pot. Add boiling water and 4 tbsp. baking soda. Let stand, rinse and dry.

47. Soothe tired feet, add three tablespoons Bicarbonate of Soda to a basin of warm water and soak feet in the solution.

48. To make your own baking powder, stir and sift together 2 parts of Cream of Tartar to 1 part baking soda and 1 part cornstarch.

49. Deodorize cloth diapers, mix one-half cup Bicarbonate of Soda in two quarts of water, and soak diapers in the solution.

50. Freshen your laundry by adding half a cup Bi-carb soda to the laundry rinse cycle to give towels and linens a breezy freshness.

51. An easy and highly effective way of clarifying your hair after you have been swimming in the pool or ocean is to mix 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda with your shampoo. Then massage into your hair and let the mixture sit on your head for two minutes before rinsing it out and repeating. This cheap and easy way of clarifying your hair can be used as often as necessary, but do not try it on colored hair as it can fade the color a bit.

Call them what you will

2009-07-31T08:51:00.003-04:00

Water bugs... Palmetto Bugs... I don't care... they are cockroaches (insert diarrhea inducing shiver) and I LOATHE them!! I would go so far as to say I have a phobia of them. Katsaridaphobia... that's what I've got. Along with Gephyrophobia, a fear of crossing bridges. That one, at least, is getting better since moving to Florida, but the raoches?? Not so much!

We had a run in last night... these roaches and I. A run in that I would consider to be of apocalyptic proportions. It was my own fault. I know better than to leave a 20 pound bag of dog food open in my garage... but they aren't allowed here. Didn't they get the memo?? The story is as follows...

DH and I were outside preparing for the "garage sale that wasn't" when I noticed that the dog was out of food. So I get the dish.... insert my arm into the container up to the elbow... and scoop. Then I start SCREAMING like some bimbo in a B rated horror movie! Something moved!! Something touched me!! My panicked brain new instantly what it was but directed my face over the container just the same. All the while commanding my mouth to scream bloody murder and my legs to carry me far, FAR away at the same instant!

What resulted was an "Elaine Benes Dance Move"...

and a husband who was trying desperately not to laugh while I'm in the yard retching and gagging uncontrollably! Now I'm angry... revenge is all I can think of, and I know just how to do it!!

Here chick, chick, chick...I's gets me some chickens... I's sets 'um near by... and I's turns the dog vittles out...well... my Ol' man turns 'em vittles out...

Did you know, that cockroaches will play dead?? Ahhhh but yes! Think about that for a minute. Let that sink into your brain if you will. What could that mean? Well, obviously it means that they can THINK! UGH!! I'm pretty sure they are plotting to take over the world! Remember "Mimic"? A movie about so called mutant cockroaches who transform themselves and kill people?? I think these bugs are their scouts... that's what I think!!

We stood there, DH and the chickens and I in total amazement at the cleverness of a-for-mentioned bugs. What now?? I went and got a stick that was approximately 100 feet long that's what. A screwed up all the courage I could muster... and... and... touched one!! Then I screamed as I dropped the stick in case the nasty thing started to crawl up it! To late! As soon as it twitched the chickens were all over it like... well... like chickens on a bug!!

Ha HA! you filthy beasts! You nasty critters! You, you... gross..things... and stuff. I tell you, I got WAY to much satisfaction out of making sure that every last one of them became chicken feed. Way to much!

Me

Movin' on up!

2009-07-14T11:17:00.003-04:00

I LOVE hs'ing the kids. Even on tough days when I'm not feeling well and they think they can get away with not doing their work. ( Ask them how that works out, lol). We usually work through the summer so we can take more breaks that are longer through out the year, and this summer is no exception.

We are at the end of our first "official" curriculum! With all of the outside struggles we had last year it took longer than expected, but we did it!!! Barring any unforeseeable circumstances our last day will be no later than the 30th of this month. I ordered our next curriculum a couple of months ago, and I am really looking forward to getting it going. We will be doing "A New World of Adventure" which picks up where "A World of Adventure" left off. We will begin with the colonies and learn about American history up until just after the Revolutionary War.

I like these unit studies because they cover all subjects except math and typing. We get to read loads of classic literature and, because of the way it's set up, I can teach different levels at one time. I just give each child access to their level of "text books" (a.k.a. library books) to supplement what we learned about that day. I also like that we "relearn" and "reuse" the different parts of grammar several times. This helps reinforce what we've all ready learned and commit it to memory better!

For math we use "Math U See". I really like that it covers different learning styles to better help all kids. This is really handy for those of us with special needs or learning disabilities! Each level comes with a teaching DVD for your child to watch, and then do the corresponding work sheets. It is also very tactile because you can buy block sets to help your child grasp any given aspect of what they are learning. They get to see it, hear it, manipulate it and do it. Very cool! I'm very happy to announce that I ordered our next work book sets today and am eagerly anticipating each child "movin' on up" very soon!

TTFN,
Me

ROFLMBO!!

2009-07-08T08:56:00.001-04:00

Balloonist and Fisherman

A woman in a hot air balloon realizes she is lost. She
lowers her altitude and spots a man fishing from a boat below.

She shouts to him, 'Excuse me, can you help me? I
promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I
don't know where I am.'

The man consults his portable GPS and
replies,'You're in a hot air balloon, approximately
30 feet above ground elevation of 2346 feet above sea level.
You are at 49 degrees,14.97 minutes north latitude and 100
degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.

She rolls her eyes and says, 'You must be a
Conservative!'
'I am,' replies the man. 'How did you know?'

'Well,' answers the balloonist,
'everything you tell me is technically correct, but I
have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm
still lost. Frankly, you're not much help to me.'

The man smiles and responds, 'You must be a
Liberal'. 'I am,' replies the balloonist.
'How did you know?'

'Well,' says the man, 'You don't know
where you are or where you're going. You've risen to
where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made
a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and now you
expect me to solve your problem.

You're in exactly the same predicament you were
before we met, but, somehow, it's now my fault.

Brazilian

The Dept Of Defense briefed the president this morning.

They told President Obama that 2 Brazilian soldiers were killed in Iraq .

To everyone's surprise, all the color drained from Obama's face.

Then he collapsed onto his desk, head in his hands, visibly shaken,

almost in tears.

Finally, he composed himself and asked, 'Just how many is a brazilian?'

This is not surprising, since he obviously has no understanding of

billion or trillion either.

}Thank you MML at Prepwise for making me pee myself!!{

TTFN
Me

Organized Packing

2009-07-05T10:01:00.003-04:00

The Big M family is up for yet another adventure soon! I will post about it specifically sometime in the next month or so, but for now....

How to pack and save your sanity!! lol

No, we are not moving right now, we are here until our lease is up in February, but I'm not going to be caught off guard! (again, lol) So I've started to pack using a method I got from the Duggar book (which came from another book). You start with the things you really don't have to have out. You know what I'm talking about, books you never got around to reading, but swear you will, nick-knacks and such. (You know, the really important stuff...)

For this project you are going to need the following...

1) File boxes (how many will depend on how much you have)
2) Note card Binder
3) Hole punched Note Cards
4) Pencil w/ an eraser
5) Crayons
6) Zip top snack bag (optional, but really helpful)

Ok, now that you have these things on hand we will get started.

Step one, put your note cards in the binder, and put holes on HALF of the top flap of your zip top. (If you choose not to go this route, then just ignore that...) Put the bag in the binder making sure you can still open it (the bag, not the binder). Then put your crayons and a pencil in it (you may also want a sharpener, but I didn't add one to mine).

Step two... Using file boxes solves a couple of problems. One, they are a really good size, which makes them hard to over load, and two, you can stack about 500 pounds on top and not have to worry! Now put one box together. Go ahead, I'll wait..... Got it?? Good! Now, decide what types of things you will put in the box, and assign those things a color.

I will be using books for my tutorial today... Now, step three, assign that box a number, and write it on all four sides of the box it it's color...

Step four is to write that number on your card (in its color) and start loading the box. As you load it, write down what you are adding in pencil...

Since this box is all one type of book, I added that to the card and the box but it isn't really necessary. When I put the box in it's storage space, I will add that to the card (in pencil) as well. This is necessary, so that you will be able to find it when you need to. Now, any time you need something, you look it up, go to the box and remove it, erasing it from the card until you put it back!

I'm finding this very helpful and worth the time it takes. I hope you do as well!!

TTFN,
Me

Buy used... Save the difference

2009-06-26T06:21:00.003-04:00

I'm so done not having a camera. The one on my phone just doesn't cut it when it comes to birthdays and car races and such. So, I headed over to Property Room and looked around. That is where I found, bid on, and won this...

I paid a total of less than $40 for this baby! Woo hoo!! It should be here on Tuesday via Fed Ex and my blogging will pick up again I'm sure! lol

Me

Update: I got my camera today~ Yippee!!! I works GREAT and the pictures are awesome! I did have to pick up the USB cable at the dreaded WM. It was $15 for one that has 4 different attachments and a self wrapping cord. So... Total spent.... $55.00.

TTFN

The Great Dishwasher Detergent Expieriment!

2009-06-06T16:00:00.006-04:00

I like to be frugal. Let me rephrase that... I LOVE to be frugal. Show me a better way to save money and I'm all over it! I even math out purchases on games that I play, such as Farm Town from Face Book. Did you know that if you plant three crops of grapes a day you make more money AND get three times the experience points? Check it out... I swear it's true!

Anyway... I had found a recipe for making detergent for my dishwasher. I thought to myself...Self! What a GREAT idea!! Well, turns out, maybe not so great. By the time we got through the first batch my once clear glasses had taken on a strange milky hue. Bummer dude.

So to the store I went to get more "store soap". (Have you looked at the price of that stuff recently? Yikes!) After a couple of washes, the glasses went back to normal and I walked away a little disappointed, but glad at the same time. Let's face it, no one wants to drink from a glass that looks coated with dried milk! Yuck!

A month rolls by and I'm putting my store soap in the washer like usual. Then I remember that I need to top off my "Jet Dry" dispenser with my white vinegar. (It works just as well and is WAY more frugal!) I ended up over filling it (as usual) and notice that when it hit the spilled over soap... it fizzed....

Being a home schooling Momma I isuspected what that was! Baking soda! My recipe didn't call for baking soda! Off to the store I ran! I was as giddy as a school girl! lol I come home and get to mixing equal parts Borax, washing soda and baking soda. I turned around and... CRAP! There are no dirty glasses to be washed! How'd that happen?? Any other time I'd have to stick my head under the faucet to get a drink! Fine.. I'll fix this! Quick as a cobra I grabbed several glasses and spit on them! (I can't very well put clean dishes in the washer! That would be wasteful!)

I topped off my JD dispenser, added my homemade soap and turned that sucker on!

Oh no.... nope.... that didn't work. Don't try this one ladies, it was a bomb. Now I'll be alternating between this and store bought until Jesus returns! lol Oh well lesson learned I guess!

Cell Phone spyware???

2009-06-04T09:36:00.001-04:00

I tell you, the world gets scarier everyday! Some of the stuff people come up with is just crazy!

This is a link you don't want to miss!

*Warning! The beginning audio is not kid friendly so you may want to use your head phones!

Me

Happy Anniversary Baby!!

2009-05-30T12:08:00.004-04:00

Today is our 11th anni! So many memories over the years I would hardly know where to begin. From the stress filled fights leading up to the wedding to the crazy things before during and after. It was not funny then... but it is now (thank goodness)!

I can not TELL you how many times the flowers went in the trash and the wedding was OFF! Only for us to make up and for me to go running to the trash can praying that nothing gooey was on the arrangements I had worked so hard on. Then I would spend the next hour or so trying to fix them to get the crinkles out... ahh memories!

The night of the rehearsal we had to stop and buy rings, which made us late of course. Luckily they had a beautiful ring all ready to fit my size 5 finger. A rare thing. We had fun that night and then parted ways so that he could go to his bachelor party and I could go work on the bridesmaids dresses. I ended up pulling an all nighter, but was so hyped up I didn't seem to notice.

When the sun came up I was off to the races. I washed our blazer and hopped in to go to the reception hall and get people going on the decorations. This of course took longer than expected so I then rushed to my future brother and sister-in-laws house to shower and race to the salon.

I have to say that... the salon was a mistake. I was supposed to get a nice relaxing message, but it turned into a torture session instead. The masseuse decided that I was way to tense and was going to work it out of me even if it killed me! I was sore for a month and a half... literally. My make-up was spot on though, even if I did have a HUGE zit on my face. God bless that woman for being able to cover it and not make me look like a total freak! lol

Now, however, I'm late to the church where I was to get my hair done. As soon as I walked in the door I realized... I FORGOT MY DRESS!!!!! I was supposed to pick it up on the way to the church! Oh noooo! Luckily I caught my Mom on the phone just before they left for the church and she was able to go and get it. Breathing a bit easier I went to the organ loft to get on with the rest of the day.

Everything was going great until.... I notice the bridesmaids whispering among themselves. "What's going on?" I ask. Well, we are supposed to be married in 45 minutes and none can find the Groom! Turns out the best man had shut the alarm off and wasn't answering the phone. His wife (bless her heart) drove like a bat outta hell across town and saves the day! (Thank you Lisa!!)

There I am... stuck in a chair getting my hair done, worrying if he's gonna make it in time, when the fresh flowers arrive. The order is wrong. I could'a killed that florist right there on the spot. I was starting to wig OUT! I'm crying by this point and the only thing that had gone right that day was now a smeared mess on my face. Thankfully my Daddy steps in to save the day and offers me (get this) a get away car! lol (Have I mentioned how much I love my Daddy??)

Time to get dressed... ok.. dressed... Final touches on my hair... oh no... It didn't have time to curl properly thanks to the masseuse from hell and it just kinda hangs there like a limp rag. At that point, I didn't really care. I just wanted to get this over with. Finally Lisa (remember Lisa?) gets back and tells me the groom has arrived and is getting dressed. Hallelujah!! (I bet his mom was disappointed though.. not lol)

The music starts and down the winding stair case I go on my Daddy's arm. Good thing to 'cause I slipped and twisted my ankle. Ugh! As I'm waiting in the vestibule I notice that one of my brides maids is wearing a nice outfit... but not her dress. "Where's your dress?" The seamstress never showed up with it. You know what?? Whatever! Let's get this over with all ready!

And we're off! The music changes, the door opens and... no one is looking... no one is even standing!!!! Being in a catholic church you can not play "Here Comes The Bride" so no one knew the bride was coming! "Look at me! Loook at meeee!!" It's my wedding and we're half way down the aisle and no one has even noticed!!! Finally, someone does and they all turn around... phew! I'd have felt like a HUGE heel if I'd been all the way to the alter before anyone noticed!

Wait a second... Oh no... Is he alright?? Oh no.. he's gonna pass out... no wait... he's gonna puke! No... worse.. he's realizing what a huge mistake he's about to make and running right past me out the door screaming for his life! His mom is jumping up and cheering and screaming praises to God as she follows after him up the aisle! Whooping for joy all the way!

But it didn't happen... it was all in my head. Yes he looks about to pass out and puke at the same time, but he's still there! Maybe he wants to run and his legs aren't working... but I don't care. I breathe huge sigh of relief as we (finally) approached the altar and the ceremony begins.

It was beautiful, it really was. We had family and friends speak and a unity candle and a wonderful soprano singer. It was great, and it was OVER! Everyone files out side and they all blow bubbles and the sun is shining bright and beautiful... until...

Until that is I see a horse drawn carriage approaching. I had wanted to have one, but it was so expensive that we just couldn't afford it, but here it came. Everyone thought that someone else had ordered it for us. I thought it was my new husband. He thought it was my Daddy. Daddy thought it was my Mom, and Mom thought it was my new in-laws.

Turns out... no one ordered it for us. It turned the corner and there were people inside! My stomach took a lurch and the whole crowd collectively let out a huge, sad "ugh". Like they had all been punched in the stomach right along with me. Fortunately (not) the photographer caught the whole thing on film. He couldn't snap pictures fast enough. Thanks photo guy!

As we are all standing around discussing this event, the carriage comes back. The driver felt so bad about the look on my face that he asked/told the couple to get out so we could have a ride. It was wonderful! I think it was God's wedding gift to us, I really do.

Everyone makes sure they know where they are going for the reception and My Honey and I stay with the photo guy for more pictures. It took forever, but it was fun and I knew I'd appreciate the time spent later when we got the proofs.

We finally finish and it's off to the party! Woo hoo! But wait... ummm... where are the keys?? Turns out they are in the best man's pocket... who is already at the reception! We hurry to catch photo guy just as he's leaving and ask for a lift. He obliges and we pile into his little car headed for the reception. My dress was so HUGE that I couldn't see out the front and photo guy couldn't see out of the passenger side. Lol we must have been quiet a site that day, but we made it without any incidents!

The reception was great (even if the air wasn't working on the hottest day of the year). The cake was beautiful (even if it did taste like card board). And we all had loads of fun dancing the chicken dance and the hokey poky and cha-cha-ing our way around.

I look back at all the adversity of that day and think to myself..."Self, you are one lucky woman!"

TTFN,
Me

How Does Your Garden Grow??

2009-05-29T09:31:00.000-04:00

Lol! we are going to try it again this year. We shall see how it goes. Over the last couple of years we have tried different things. The first year I picked a poor spot and the plants didn't get enough light. Last year, I started the plants but they never got in the ground. This year we went with Sq. Foot Gardening.

First, we built two of these boxes. It took DH a long afternoon to get them both built, but it was worth it! Then it came time to plant our seedlings.

The thing with this type of garden is that it saves space. In a traditional "dug bed" you need a foot wide space the length of one row, two feet of space for walking (the length of your row) and then another foot for your next row. Let's say you are going to plant 64 plants that need a foot of space each. You would need a dug bed that is 8' X 22'. (That's 8 plants per row, 8 rows) That works out to 176 sq.' total. We planted the same amount of plants in only 64 sq' using the boxes!! That's almost a third of the space! Can you imagine?!

Since the boxes are 4' wide, I can reach in from either side without straining. Another advantage is that I don't have to bend over as far to weed or reach the plants at harvest time! Win win! I do wish I could say that I didn't have to weed them at all but alas, that is not the case. What I will say is that weeding is MUCH easier since there are fewer weeds, and they are not well established.

I hope you will give this a try. There is the initial investment of materials, but I think it will pay for itself in the first year. We bought all the materials and even the dirt mixture and spent (roughly) $150. We will not need to make such an investment next year so our garden ill only cost us seeds. My plan (we all know how plans can go...lol) is to dry seeds from the best of our plants from this year for next year. That will help with the cost and should be a fun learning experience for both myself and the kids!

Have a blessed day!!

TTFN,
Me

ROFL!!!

2009-05-22T06:06:00.000-04:00

Bitter Sweet

2009-05-19T09:54:00.000-04:00

Those friends of mine who are TTC will understand this. Those that aren't never will. That's ok. I wish that no one would have to understand it.

One of My Love's co-workers just had their first baby. That is to say, the co-workers wife had the baby, not the co-worker himself. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for them, really, I am. However, it doesn't make it any easier for me to walk away and not feel...reflective. Had we not lost our baby last November I would be eight months preggers by now.

Knowing me, I would have packed my bag of mid wife supplies a month ago. I'd have arrangements for the kids ready and most (if not all) items bought and carefully cataloged. Double checking that I would have everything possibly needed, most of which I wouldn't need at all. (chuckle) I'm a little neurotic about that kind of thing.

We went to the hospital to see the baby... I mean congratulate the parents... and she was so darling... She was just the same size as my son when he was born and the memories just came flooding in. Unfortunately, with the joy of those memories come the pain of them as well. Knowing that I didn't want to get a tubal, but doing it anyway, is the biggest mistake of my entire life... bar none. Those that know me can attest to the fact that that is saying a lot! (insert another sad chuckle)

It makes me wonder what would have been. Would we still only have three kids? Or would we have more?? Would I be totally over whelmed by it, or would I be the mother I always wanted to be?? Patient, quiet, all knowing... mostly patient.... I don't know, probably not. I would probably still be me with all my faults and failures. I guess I'll never know. At least not on this side of Heaven.

TTFN,
BigMness

Rainy days and Mondays

2009-05-18T10:25:00.002-04:00

Always get meeeeee dooooowwwwnnnnn.....
(Name that tune)

Grey days...ugh.... They are hard enough without them falling on a Monday as well. Most people who do not know a HS (home school) family have one of two images of it drawn in their imaginations. One, where the kids are unhappy and being brain washed by psycho parents and no interaction with the outside world, or two, long haired hippies living in a commune and not really teaching their kids anything of value. While I'm sure they exist, I've not met any of these types of HSers.

The reality is that most of us are normal (neurologically speaking) people with our own challenges and faults. For our family, rainy days and Mondays are two of our challenges. Getting back into the swing of things after the weekend is always rough. DD1, being on the spectrum, has to try to get away with not doing her work every time. Forget that it never works, forget that we re-learn that it wont work every week. Doesn't matter. Not to her. She needs to try over and over just to make sure.

Rainy days are a different challenge. On rainy days we tend to feel more sluggish. I've tried more coffee... turning on all the lights... pumping up the feel good music....all I really want to do is lay in my bed and snooze... Sometimes we take a "Grey Day" off and do just that. Snuggle in my big comfy bed together and watch educational shows and nothing else. Ahhh, the warmth of it!! I figure if northern schools can have snow days, and PSers can have hurricane days, we can have our occasional Grey Days. Anyone who says different can bite a rock.

The biggest challenge is a rainy Monday. These are the worst in my mind. DD1 wants to fight and argue and I (among others) am feeling to dragged down to deal with it. However, I can't let that stop me. No way no how. Then she'll think she won and I'll never get any piece. It will turn into a struggle everyday of the week. Sad, but true.

Today is one of those days. It's grey, rainy, nasty and we are coming off of a weekend. To aggravate matters, we are learning how to take notes and write a biography. Writing is not A's strong suit, so it is a fight under the best of circumstances. We will plug through, one way or another, and all the while, I'll be humming under my breath....

Rainy days and Mondays always get meeeee dooooowwwwwnnnnn......

ME

Ladies and Gentelmen....

2009-05-18T07:59:00.002-04:00

Start....Your....ENGINES!!!!!

We have started a new adventure in the BigM house. Quarter Midget Racing!! FUN!! DD2 had her first lesson a couple of weeks ago and did FABULOUS!! We even snapped a couple of pics!!

After going over the flags, We practice the buckle, making sure we can unbuckle it and get out in a hurry if need be.

Then we don our fire jacket (and helmet of course)....

And we're off!!!

Well, sort of. Her teacher had her drive the golf cart first while he worked the peddle. After she found "The Line" (tee hee), he pushed the QM around with the cart, nice and slow.

The QM has a governor on it so that it will only go as fast as the teacher wants it to. He adjusted it to "slow" and let her drive on her own.

By the time we finished the class, she was going almost full out!!! It was AWESOME!!!!

Speeding Beauty!!!

TTFN,
Me

Sad but true...

2009-04-20T09:20:00.001-04:00

I hate to say it, but these are some of the more scary reasons I home school my kids. You can find the origional article here.

1. Nude Photos Lead to Suicide

March 22, 2009

Cincinatti, OH

Jessica Logan's nude cell-phone photo - meant for her boyfriend's eyes only - was sent to hundreds of teenagers last year in at least seven Greater Cincinnati high schools. The 18-year-old Sycamore High School senior was then bombarded with taunts: slut, porn queen, whore. On July 3, Jessie hanged herself in her bedroom.

2. Teens Bare All on Phones

January 13, 2009

Cincinatti, OH

"If I were to go through the cell phones in this building right now of 1,500 students, I would venture to say that half to two-thirds have indecent photos, either of themselves or somebody else in school," said Jim Brown, school resource officer at Glen Este High School. Turpin High School Principal Peggy Johnson thinks that the results would be similar - about 50-50 - in her building.

3. NEA's radical plan for your kids

July 25, 2008

Washington, DC

The nation's largest teachers union, the National Education Association, attracted 9,000 delegates to its annual convention in Washington, D.C., over the Fourth of July weekend. Delegates sported buttons with provocative slogans such as "Gay marriage causes Global Warming only because we are so hot!" "Hate is not a family value," "The 'Christian Right' is neither," and "Gay Rights are civil rights."

4. Sex Scandals May Cost Helix High Its Charter

July 12, 2008

San Diego, CA

Grossmont Union High School District Governing Board President Larry Urdahl still can't believe that four Helix High School teachers violated students' trust by allegedly engaging in inappropriate relationships with them.

5. Teacher lets Morningside students vote out classmate, 5

May 24, 2008

Port Saint Lucie, FL

Melissa Barton said she is considering legal action after her son's kindergarten teacher led his classmates to vote him out of class. After each classmate was allowed to say what they didn't like about Barton's 5-year-old son, Alex, his Morningside Elementary teacher Wendy Portillo said they were going to take a vote, Barton said.

6. 1 in 4 Teen Girls Has Sexual Disease

March 11, 2008

Chicago, IL

At least one in four teenage girls nationwide has a sexually transmitted disease, or more than 3 million teens, according to the first study of its kind in this age group. A virus that causes cervical cancer is by far the most common sexually transmitted infection in teen girls aged 14 to 19, while the highest overall prevalence is among black girls—nearly half the blacks studied had at least one STD. That rate compared with 20 percent among both whites and Mexican-American teens, the study from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found.

7. Anti-Union Group Will Offer Nation's 'Worst Teacher' $10K To Quit

March 11, 2008

Washington, DC

Critics who say unions block education reforms and make it virtually impossible to fire bad teachers will offer 10 instructors it deems the nation's worst $10,000 to quit their careers. The Center for Union Facts, a Washington-based nonprofit, will launch a campaign Tuesday spending $1 million on ads and a billboard in New York's Times Square. It also says it's starting a Web site with data documenting how far unions go to protect bad teachers.

8. Assistant Principal Charged With Lewd Acts Involving 13-Year-Old

March 6, 2008

Los Angeles, CA

An assistant principal of a South Los Angeles middle school was charged Thursday with lewd acts involving a 13-year-old girl on and off the campus. Steve Thomas Rooney, 39, was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse, according to Deputy District Attorney Darci Lanphere. Rooney -- the assistant principal at Markham Middle School -- is charged with three counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child and two counts of lewd acts upon a child. All of the charges are felonies.

9. Teacher caught yelling at kids

February 26, 2008

Houston, TX

A teacher is caught on tape yelling at 4 and 5 year olds by Texas parents told their daughter had behavior problems.

10. 8-year-old boy returning to class as girl

February 8, 2008

Castle Rock, CO

An 8-year-old boy is preparing to return to his home school district in Colorado as a girl, so school officials are designating two school restrooms as unisex facilities, and preparing to counsel other students on the issue of transgenderism.

11. Judge blesses teaching students homosexuality is innate

February 5, 2008

Montgomery County, MD

A member of the school board in Montgomery County, Md., which has been working for years to overcome obstacles to its program that teaches students homosexuality is innate, has told members of a group objecting to the lessons to go away. "To the other side, I say get out of town, shut up, quit costing Montgomery County taxpayers money for litigation, and we're right and parents believe we're right," board member Pat O'Neill said in a report in the Portland, Ore., Examiner.

12. Sex-ed curriculum includes field trip to buy condoms

February 2, 2008

Port Saint Lucie, FL

A campaign has been launched by concerned parents and others in Florida where a school board has adopted an explicit sex ed curriculum that includes various how-to lessons for students as young as fourth grade, and in one incarnation proposed field trips for children to purchase condoms and then talk about their experience.

13. Schools worker pleads guilty to sex charge

January 29, 2008

Nashville, TN

A former Metro schools employee pleaded guilty Monday to sexual battery and misconduct charges stemming from accusations that she inappropriately touched two teenage students. Erica Keyonta Bell, 33, was an in-school suspension monitor at Gra-Mar Middle School in 2005 and early 2006, when Metro police began investigating complaints that Bell had fondled a 13-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl several times on school grounds over a monthlong period.

14. School counselor charged with having sex with student

January 28, 2008

Lexington, NC

A counselor for Thomasville City Schools has been charged with having sexual contact with a student. Stanford L. Ray, 50, of Browning Drive, was charged with sexual activity with student by school personnel other than teacher, school administrator or student teacher, which is a felony. He had not been arrested as of late Monday afternoon.

15. Former school sentry on trial for sex abuse

January 28, 2008

Rochester, NY

A former school sentry in the Rochester City School District is on trial today for sex abuse. Andre Johnson faces up to 50 years in prison if convicted of sexually abusing ten boys. Police say some of the abuse happened on school property.

16. Principal Removed Following Sex Allegations

January 28, 2008

San Antonio, TX

A South San Antonio Independent School District elementary school principal has been removed from his post in the midst of a sex investigation involving a student, police said. Michael Alcoser, 41, was recently relieved of his duties at Carrillo Elementary, school district officials said in a letter sent home to parents.

17. Sex acts in school alleged

January 28, 2008

Lancaster, PA

A teenage girl told investigators how she and a teacher kissed and had intimate sexual contact inside Warwick High School over a two-year period, according to police documents filed today. Todd Nicholas Sheerer, 29, of 3471 Coronet Ave., Lancaster, the Warwick High School band director, was charged late Thursday with corruption of minors by two area police departments for his alleged relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

18. Teen Suspended For Sex Offender Warning

December 14, 2007

Gig Harbor, WA

Last week, Raydon Gilmore found a 16-year-old fellow student at Gig Harbor High School listed at the Washington State Sex Offender Information Center, a Web site that lists the state's level 2 and level 3 sex offenders. "Then it hit me that I was in P.E. freshman year, and this kid was there for a while and he was my neighbor at my locker," Gilmore told KIRO. The 16-year-old was convicted of indecent liberties and using force.

19. Teacher of the Year Convicted for Child Porn Possession

November 16, 2007

San Diego, CA

A former history teacher at a San Diego-area middle school has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a charge of possessing child pornography. Forty-year-old Tyrico Tyler was also ordered Friday to register as a sex offender.

20. Neb. teacher in student sex case fired

November 13, 2007

Lexington, NE

The Nebraska middle school teacher accused of having sex with a 13-year-old student and fleeing to Mexico with him has been fired. Without public comment, the Lexington School Board voted 6-0 Monday night to terminate Kelsey Peterson's contract. The sixth-grade teacher had been put on administrative leave late last month after allegations surfaced that she was having an inappropriate relationship with the student. Peterson, 25, fled Lexington with the boy, a former student of hers, on Oct. 26. They were found in a mall parking lot in the border town of Mexicali, Mexico, on Nov. 2.

21. Tutor: 'I've taken to fondling' the students

October 16, 2007

Cleveland, OH

Two-and-a-half years later, the mother learned the numbing truth: Former tutor Phillip Distasio had molested about a dozen boys during the three years he worked at PEP Harbor School in Cleveland. "Now, when I walk into a school, I wonder what's the motive when I see a guy in the school -- because of Mr. Distasio," the mother told a judge before the confessed pedophile received 26 life sentences last December. "This guy made my son into a freak." Distasio's case is one of 246 that the Ohio Department of Education has labeled "confidential," keeping secret the details of what he did. The state will disclose only that Distasio was convicted of a sex crime.

22. Ex-teacher pleads guilty to sex charges

October 15, 2007

Tucson, AZ

A former Salpointe Catholic High School teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student cut a deal today with prosecutors and likely won't spend any time behind bars. Rebecca Kelley resigned in March of this year after authorities found out about the relationship. She was indicted in April on four counts of sexual conduct with a minor, one of those a felony.

23. North Branch student arrested after allegedly threatening student ...

September 28, 2007

NORTH BRANCH, MI

A knife assault outside the high school Tuesday has the district dealing with its second major weapons violation in two weeks. A 16-year-old Quest High School student was arrested Tuesday night after another student in the district's alternative high school reported that he had been threatened with a knife about 3:30 p.m. The suspect reportedly was upset about having his car broken into and cigarettes and a lighter stolen Monday at the school, said Lapeer County assistant prosecutor Geoffrey Stuart. Instead of calling police, the boy asked another student in his class to meet him outside the high school during a 3:30 p.m. break where he confronted the student about the thefts, Stuart said.

24. School bus attack leads to teen's arrest

September 28, 2007

Mineral Wells, TX

Mineral Wells police arrested 17-year-old Joaquin Padron Mancilla Wednesday afternoon for simple assault that allegedly occurred on a school bus. According to police reports, local authorities received a call at 4:09 p.m. from a mother in the 300 block of S.W. 22nd Street in reference to her juvenile student being assaulted by a neighboring student on the school bus. Officials reported that they approached Mancilla and asked if he struck the victim; Mancilla allegedly said he punched him.

25. High School Coach Charged with Child Internet Sex Crimes

September 28, 2007

Lynchburg, VA

Police say the girls track coach at a local school used the internet to try to have sex with a 13-year-old. It's put a dark cloud over Friday night's Nelson County High School homecoming football game at the school. This is a huge shock to the county. Superintendent Roger Collins says the word "shock" is an understatement.

26. Sex assault charges stir anger at schools

September 28, 2007

Ann Arbor, MI

Parents vented their anger and school board trustees vowed to straighten out the mess during an emotional public forum Monday night, called after two young boys - ages 9 and 11 - were charged with sexually assaulting a 7-year-old on a Howell school bus. The incident came to light recently after the suspects appeared in juvenile court. But police have been investigating the incident since May when it was reported to Southwest Elementary School Principal Jill Hilla, who called police.

27. Charges sought against teen for alleged sex with minor

September 12, 2007

Salina, KS

Salina police are seeking charges against a 17-year-old Salina Central High School student for allegedly having sex with a minor at school. Kansas Wesleyan I3Instory Trenton Walters, 17, 846 Plaza, was booked at the Saline County Juvenile Detention Center Friday and released to his parents' custody to await an appearance in Saline County Juvenile Court, Sheriff Glen Kochanowski said.

28. Unruly Girls Arrested on School Bus

September 9, 2007

Washington, PA

"Work Hard and Be Nice" reads the slogan of the St. Mary's County public schools. Three Great Mills High School students, it would seem, need a refresher course. The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office arrested three teenage girls on several charges Wednesday after an incident inside a school bus in which authorities said the students became unruly and resisted arrest.

29. Ex-PHS student guilty of assault

August 31, 2007

Palestine, TX

An 18-year-old former Palestine High School student was found guilty of assault causing bodily injury Wednesday, stemming from an incident last fall during which he struck a teacher in the face with a closed fist. An Anderson County jury deliberated for one hour Wednesday afternoon before finding Christopher Rashad Hall guilty of the lesser-included Class A misdemeanor offense of assault causing bodily injury.

30. Choking game results in assault charges against Boone student

August 31, 2007

Kingsport, TN

A sophomore at Daniel Boone High School is facing assault charges after allegedly choking two fellow students to the point of unconsciousness. The attacks reportedly happened Wednesday on a bus ride home from school. “It was around 2:45 or so in the afternoon,” said Washington County Sheriff’s Office Deputy John Rupe. “There was a load of kids on a bus coming down Rockingham Road.”

31. Teens Identified In Pontiac Gun Scare

August 29, 2007

Chicago, IL

PONTIAC, Ill. - A judge in Livingston County has set bond at $500,000 each for two teens accused of being involved in a gun scare that caused the lockdown of Pontiac Township High School on Tuesday.

32. Teacher accused of having sex with 2 boys

August 26, 2007

San Jose, CA

A former Kentfield school teacher has been charged with having sex with two 15-year-old Redwood High School boys during a drunken encounter in Corte Madera, authorities said. Amy Lee Kelly, 41, of Benicia is charged with two counts of lewd acts upon a child and one count of unlawful sexual intercourse, according to court documents. If convicted, she faces a potential prison sentence of more than four years and would have to register as a sex offender, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Kathryn Mitchell.

33. El Cerrito music teacher acquitted of molesting student

August 25, 2007

San Francisco, CA

A music teacher at Tehiyah Day School in El Cerrito has been acquitted of molesting a female student but has been convicted of lesser charges of assault and battery. Achi Ben Shalom, 53, of El Cerrito was found not guilty Wednesday of committing a lewd and lascivious act on a girl younger than 14, a felony, after a jury trial in Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez.

34. Principal guilty of simple assault

August 25, 2007

Charlotte, NC

Suspended McClintock Middle School Principal Andrew Thiel, accused of punching a 14-year-old student in the chest in March, was convicted Friday of misdemeanor simple assault. Mecklenburg District Judge Tom Moore placed Thiel on probation for a year after suspending a 20-day jail sentence. The judge fined Thiel $100 and ordered him to perform 60 hours of community service.

35. Teacher caught in sex sting

August 25, 2007

Albuquerque, NM

A middle school teacher is in big trouble after allegedly soliciting sex in a park. Jonathan Hamilton, 33, and 15 others were rounded up in a recent police sting. Authorities say that the suspects were lurking a public park in search of sex.

36. Former teacher goes to jail after sex with student

August 24, 2007

Columbia, SC

A former Gwinnett County teacher has gone to jail after having sex with a student who was in her class and later giving birth to their child. Authorities say 34-year-old Angela Christine Coffey of Lilburn gave birth to a girl fathered by a 17-year-old student at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross. Coffey coached cheerleading and taught English as a second language at the school, where she was employed from August 2004 to October 2006.

37. Police: Teens Had Sex In School Bathroom

August 24, 2007

Orlando, FL

A 16-year-old Marion County high school student was arrested on lewd and lascivious battery charges after police said she had sex with her 14-year-old boyfriend in a school bathroom. The incident took place on Wednesday during school hours at North Marion High School, officials said.

38. Sexcapade at school lands teens in trouble

August 24, 2007

Ocala, FL

A 16-year-old high school student who had consensual sex with her 14-year-old boyfriend in the girl's restroom at their school was arrested and charged with one count of lewd or lascivious battery, according to a Sheriff's Office report. Thursday at about 11 a.m., a deputy was notified about the incident, which reportedly occurred at North Marion High School on Wednesday.

39. Corona High School Teacher Accused of Having Sex with Student

August 24, 2007

Los Angeles, CA

A high school teacher in Corona is behind bars accused of having sex with a 17-year-old female student. Brad Theobald teaches at Centennial High School where he’s an assistant cross-country track coach. Theobald was arrested earlier this week during team practice.

40. Tennessee sex offender was working at local school

August 24, 2007

Savannah, GA

A Tennessee man who was working at a Savannah private school has been arrested for failing to register as a sex offender. Chatham County Sheriff's Deputies arrested John Kelly Lee Young, 39, who worked at St. Paul Academy for Boys and at Stout Chapel CME as a minister. It wasn't immediately clear what Lee did at St. Paul.

41. Custodian Charged With Sex Abuse; District Meets

August 24, 2007

Rochester, NY

Tricia Cruz (Bloomfield, N.Y.) -- At a meeting Thursday night, parents in the Bloomfield Central School District learned how to talk to their children about an alleged sex abuse case involving a former custodian. Dahl Rodgers, 55, has been charged with sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy. Investigators say the alleged abuse took place off school property in the year between September 2005 and 2006.

42. Former Teacher Sentenced in Classroom Sex Case

August 24, 2007

Phoenix, PA

A former high school teacher was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison after pleading no contest to charges that he had sex with a 16-year-old student in his classroom. Shawn Trotter, 34, a former history teacher at South Fork High School, had been charged with three counts of sexual activity with a minor. In his plea deal with prosecutors, Trotter also received 10 years of probation and will have to register as a sex offender. Trotter's father-in-law, Richard Mulanax, told The Palm Beach Post that Trotter was innocent but accepted the plea to avoid a trial and the risk of a possible 45-year prison sentence.

43. Substitute teacher named in sex-for-sale; banned from teaching

August 24, 2007

Shreveport, LA

A Shreveport man is temporarily banned from substitute teaching in Caddo Parish after school officials received reports that he was involved in a sex-for-sale incident where a 17-year-old male was arrested for prostitution. Renard Nash’s name was removed from the list of qualified substitutes on Thursday while Caddo school officials investigate the situation, said Cleveland White, director of classified personnel at the Caddo Parish School Board.

44. Ex-Wilson student gets prison for assault

August 24, 2007

Allentown, PA

A former Wilson High School student who tussled with a teacher and ran off with a small amount of marijuana will spend up to 23 months in prison. "You're your own worst enemy," Northampton County Judge Anthony S. Beltrami told Sean V. Kinchen, 19, today. The judge said that Kinchen, of the 1600 block of Northampton Street, Wilson, has a supportive family and, although being held in prison would be difficult, "You can only get better from here."

45. Marshall High teacher charged in sex assault case

August 23, 2007

Los Angeles, CA

A John Marshall High School special education teacher was charged today with multiple counts of sexually assaulting three males and one female, the District Attorney's office announced. Fred David Johnson, 60, was set to be arraigned today, said Deputy District Attorney Frances Young with the Sex Crimes Division.

46. Public School Teachers Get Pass on Child Rape

August 18, 2007

Dover, DE

House lawmakers in Delaware approved a bill yesterday that eliminated the two-year statute of limitations for victims of child sex abuse, but it does not apply to public school teachers. An attempt by Rep. Greg Lavelle to pass an amendment waiving immunity for government workers failed (he will try again). The bill now goes back to the Senate. Leading the charge to protect the teachers is Sen. Karen Peterson.

47. School Bus Driver Faces Teen Sex Charges

August 3, 2007

Raleigh, NC

A Durham school bus driver accused of having a lengthy relationship with an Orange County teen has been charged with statutory rape , authorities said. Mark Malone Davis, 41, of 260 Cornelius St. in Hillsborough, was charged with three counts of statutory rape and two counts of statutory sex offense. He was being held in the Orange County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

48. Former High School Teacher Pleads Guilty To Sex Crimes

August 3, 2007

Los Angeles, CA

Days away from the start of trial, a former English teacher at Arcadia High School pleaded guilty Friday to committing multiple sex crimes involving a 16-year-old female student in his class. Phillip Sutliff, 34, pleaded guilty to 17 sex-related felony charges, including sexual intercourse with a person under 18, oral copulation of a person under 18, sodomy of a person under 18, penetration with a foreign object of a person under 18, and sending harmful matter over the internet to seduce a minor, said Deputy District Attorney Philip Wojdak.

49. High school teacher accused of molesting relative

July 25, 2007

Columbia, SC

A teacher has been arrested for molesting a young female relative, and authorities also are investigating allegations that he had sex with his students. Woodstock police arrested 38-year-old Leonard Templeton Lawley Junior on Monday on charges of child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes. He later was released from the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center on 27,000, $700 bond.

50. Family files suit against Rutherford Co. schools over sex charges

July 24, 2007

Memphis,, TN

A mother whose daughter was allegedly solicited for sex by a teacher at a Murfreesboro high school last year has filed a lawsuit against the teacher and school district officials. The lawsuit seeks $200,000 from Siegel High School principal Ken Nolan and former teacher Nalin White, who was accused by the 15-year-old girl of asking her for sex last May.

51. Former teacher gets year in jail for sexual assault

July 24, 2007

Kalamazoo,, MI

A Kalamazoo school administrator was sentenced to one year in jail and five years of probation Monday for sexually assaulting a former student. James Howard Lighthizer, 54, of Portage, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct as part of a plea agreement. He was initially charged with four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct stemming from encounters that allegedly took place between July and December 2002, according to court records.

52. Popular Etobicoke teacher pleads guilty to sex assault of student

July 24, 2007

Toronto, OR

A popular teacher at West Humber Collegiate pleaded guilty in court recently to one charge of sexual assault involving one of his Grade 12 students. Math teacher Scott Keen, 41, agreed to facts read into the court record on July 12 at the Ontario Court of Justice courthouse at 2201 Finch Ave. W. The facts describe an incident that took place on Nov. 3 while Keen and a 16-year-old female student were alone in a classroom.

53. Former Assistant Principal Sentenced For Sex With Student

July 23, 2007

Kalamazoo, MI

A former Kalamazoo assistant principal has received jail time for having sexual activity with a student. James Lighthizer pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct back in June. Monday the judge sentenced him to one year in the county jail. The former Kalamazoo Middle School Assistant Principal will have to continue sex offender counseling and is not allowed to have contact with anyone under 18. The only exception is blood relatives, but even then a supervisor above 21 years of age has to be present.

54. Unruly schoolboys or sex offenders?

July 22, 2007

Portland, OR

The two boys tore down the hall of Patton Middle School after lunch, swatting the bottoms of girls as they ran -- what some kids later said was a common form of greeting. But bottom-slapping is against policy in McMinnville Public Schools. So a teacher's aide sent the gawky seventh-graders to the office, where the vice principal and a police officer stationed at the school soon interrogated them.

55. DODDS teacher arrested in sex case

July 22, 2007

Washington, DC

A Kubasaki High School science teacher faces decades-old charges of sodomy and rape involving students in Fayette County, Ky. Jack Russell Hubbard, 60, who has taught in Department of Defense Dependents Schools for 20 years, was arrested July 9 in Johnstown, Pa. He is awaiting extradition to Kentucky to face four charges of third-degree sodomy of a 15-year-old male student and third-degree rape of a 15-year old female student in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

56. Ex-school bus mechanic sentenced in sex abuse

July 21, 2007

Denison, TX

A former Warner school bus mechanic is facing a 20-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a girl. Jimmie Cagle apologized to his tearful 15-year-old victim after admitting that he subjected her to years of sexual abuse. Cagle pleaded guilty on Thursday to one count of lewd molestation and one count of second-degree rape. He was ordered to serve 20 years in prison on the molestation charge and 15 years on the rape charge, with the sentences to run concurrently. A second rape charge was dismissed.

57. Former teacher indicted in high school student sex assault

July 21, 2007

Boston, CA

A former high school teacher was indicted on a charge of sexual assault over allegations dating back more than 20 years. Gregory Ingalls was arrested in April at Spaulding High School, where he taught math, and charged with felonious sexual assault. The charge arose after a former student, now 38 and living in Chicago, came forward after going through counseling. Authorities said the man alleged being sexually assaulted at Ingalls' apartment in Raymond between 1982 and 1985, when he was between 13 and 15.

58. Trial date set in Hortonville teacher sex case

July 21, 2007

Appleton, WI

An October trial date has been set for a former Hortonville coach and teacher charged with sexual assault. The trial for David Janssen, 55, charged with three counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of sexual assault of a student by a school staff member has been set for Oct. 15. Waupaca County Circuit Judge Philip Kirk is handling the case for Outagamie County after the Outagamie County judges excused themselves from the case.

59. Northeast football coach arrested

July 21, 2007

Glen Burnie, MD

The head football coach at Northeast High School was arrested early Tuesday morning on charges that he beat his 17-year-old nephew with a crutch in the middle of the night. James Cotham, 50, was taken into custody at his Pasadena home around midnight after police were called about a domestic dispute. He was charged with assault and second-degree child abuse by a custodian, according to court records. The impact on the Northeast football program, which starts practice early next month, was not immediately clear. Mr. Cotham has coached in county schools for 25 years, and has been the Eagles' head coach for the past seven. Last year the team won one game, against their Pasadena rival, Chesapeake High.

60. Former teacher indicted in high school student sex assault

July 21, 2007

Boston, AL

61. Former Spaulding High teacher indicted on sexual assault

July 20, 2007

Dover, NH

A former Spaulding High School math teacher and longtime Barrington School Board member has been indicted by a grand jury on one count of felonious sexual assault. According to a Rockingham County Superior Court indictment, Gregory Ingalls, 56, of 4 Park Lane, Barrington committed the crime of felonious sexual assault between Jan. 11, 1982 and Jan. 9, 1985. Police have said that Ingalls allegedly drove a Rochester teenager to the apartment building he owned on Main Street in Raymond. During this time, the boy's age ranged between 13 and 15 years.

62. School Kitchen Worker Charged In Sex Assaults On Girl, 11

July 20, 2007

Philadelphia, PA

Kevin Styles, 43, of North 38th Street, is charged with aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Camden County prosecutor's office. The assaults allegedly took place in Camden earlier this year. Styles is an employee of the Camden Board of Education who worked during the school year in the kitchen at Forest Hill Elementary School in the city's Parkside section, authorities said. The defendant was known to the victim but not through the school.

63. School counselor charged with raping teen girl

July 20, 2007

Salt Lake, UT

A West High School guidance counselor has been arrested, accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old student. Marco Herrera, 51, is charged with three first-degree felony counts of rape, two first-degree felony counts of forcible sodomy and five second-degree felony counts of forcible sexual abuse, court documents state. He was booked into the Salt Lake County jail in lieu of $250,000 bail. West High School has terminated Herrera's employment, police said.

64. Teacher Faces Sex Chat Charges

July 20, 2007

Colchester, CT

A Colchester man has resigned as a teacher and coach at a Catholic high school in the face of charges that he engaged in sexually explicit online exchanges over four months with a Bloomfield police detective posing as a 15-year-old girl. In addition to leaving his teaching job, Michael J. Garvie, 30, resigned as varsity baseball coach and athletic director at St. Bernard School in Montville, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich said.

65. Former Upstate principal pleads guilty to sex with minor student

July 19, 2007

Wilmington, NC

A former assistant principal at a Greenville high school pleaded guilty Thursday to having a sexual relationship with a student four years ago. Circuit Court Judge Edward Miller sentenced Lance Diefenderfer, 38, to one year of house arrest, two years probation and a $3,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Diefenderfer, who had also been a social studies teacher at Southside High School, resigned in September after he spoke to the principal about possible inappropriate behavior, authorities said. He was charged in November after the former student told sheriff's deputies they would talk and kiss in his classroom in 2003.

66. Former West High School counselor arrested; faces rape, sex abuse charges

July 19, 2007

Salt Lake, CA

Police arrested 51-year-old Marco Herrera for a sexual relationship with a fourteen-year-old female on Thursday. Herrera was employed at West High School as a counselor and the alleged victim was a student at West High School. Police say Herrera was arrested on a $250,000 warrant issued for three first-degree felony counts of rape; two first-degree felony counts of forcible sodomy; and five second-degree felony counts of forcible sexual abuse. Herrera was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail.

67. 3.7 Million Judgement in School Sex Abuse Case

July 19, 2007

Lexington, KY

A Fayette county jury believes lynne Maner's story of prolonged sex abuse at the hands of her teachers and they believe her mother reported her suspicions to then superintendent Guy Potts and that the district was negligent by not responding and putting a stop to it. "There have been secrets and cover ups of sexual abuse. To have it drug out into the light of day I believe it can only help begin the healing process not only for me personally but hopefully for the school system," Maner says. For the loss of her education and earning potential and pain and suffering they awarded Maner $3.7 million.

68. Northmont Teacher Gets $500000 Bond In Sex Case

July 18, 2007

CLAYTON, OH

Investigators said bond was set at $500,000 for a Northmont Middle School teacher who is accused of having sex with a 14-year-old student. Jason Simmons, 36, was arraigned Wednesday morning from the Montgomery County Jail. His attorney asked the judge for a lower bond, but the request was denied. Simmons pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and importuning. Simmons is a special-education teacher at the middle school. District officials said they do not believe that the alleged victim was one of Simmons’ students.

69. Teacher pleads guilty in sex sting

July 18, 2007

Indianapolis, IN

A former Perry Meridian High School teacher pleaded guilty today in Marion Superior Court to charges stemming from an online sting by the prosecutor's office. Kevin Walsh, 28, admitted one count of child solicitation and one count of disseminating matter harmful to a minor. He was arrested in July 2006 after chatting online with an investigator posing as a 15-year-old girl. No meeting took place. Both charges are felonies, with the more serious carrying a penalty of two to eight years in prison. Walsh pleaded guilty without any sentencing restrictions.

70. Teen Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against School Officials

July 18, 2007

Jackson, MS

A Holmes County school employee faces a one million dollar sexual assault lawsuit, filed by a student and her mother. The 14-year-old student claims cafeteria worker Harold Epps sexually assaulted her on a district bus, when the school band was returning from a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in Grenada.

71. Former teacher's sexual assault trial begins

July 17, 2007

Midland, TX

Charged with two counts each of sexual assault of a child and being an educator who had an improper relationship with a student, the former Midland Academy Charter School teacher could get as many as 80 years in state prison if convicted. A seven-man, five-woman 385th District Court jury was impaneled Monday to hear four second-degree felony allegations against former Midland Academy Charter School mathematics and social studies teacher David Alan van Houten, who is accused of molesting a student last fall.

72. Principal Arrested for Sexual Assault

July 16, 2007

Bloomington, IL

10pm UPDATE: Illini Bluffs School Board President Ross Fink tells WMBD 31 News that John Walker has been suspended with pay from the district until further notice. The principal at Illini Bluffs Elementary School was formally charged today with two counts of criminal sexual assault. 42-year old John Walker was arrested on Sunday. Bond was set today at 75 thousand dollars and Walker bonded out of jail soon after his court appearance.

73. Trial date set for PV teacher in sex case

July 16, 2007

Arizona, AZ

Jennifer Mally, the Paradise Valley High School teacher accused of having sex with an underage student, will stand trial Oct. 16. The trial date was set at an initial pretrial conference last week. Another pretrial conference will take place in August. Mally, who taught English and coached the cheer squad at the north Phoenix school, is accused of 17 counts of sexual conduct with a minor, starting in October 2006 and ending in April. She was arrested on May 2.

74. Sex solicitation will lead to federal prison for coach

July 16, 2007

Chicago, CT

A former girls basketball coach faces a minimum 10-year prison sentence after a federal jury found him guilty of attempting to solicit sex from minors using the Internet Matthew Hensley, 24, was charged last August after police spotted him heading into a Valparaiso park where he had arranged a sexual rendezvous with an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl. A jury of five men and seven women convicted him Friday.

75. Track coach convicted of sexual assault flees country

July 15, 2007

Moline, IL

Champaign County Sheriff Dan Walsh says a local high school coach convicted of criminal sexual assault has apparently fled to the Netherlands. Walsh says 25-year-old Yuri Ermakov, a Russian citizen who lived in Urbana, apparently flew from Indianapolis to Newark and then on to Amsterdam just hours after a Champaign County convicted him. Ermakov was expected to be present for Thursday's sentencing, but didn't show up, so Judge Jeff Ford issued a no-bond warrant for his arrest.

76. Ex-teacher gets 1 1/2 years for sex abuse

July 14, 2007

Baltimore, MD

A former teacher who was hired by Baltimore City schools after leaving the Baltimore County system amid questions about his relationship with a 13-year-old student was sentenced yesterday to a year and a half in jail for committing a sex offense against the girl. Before the judge announced his punishment, Timothy Nicholas Gounaris, 50, of the first block of Cardor Court in the Perry Hall area, apologized to the girl, who is now 15, as she looked on from a front-row bench in court with her parents. He also sought forgiveness from his family for "the terrible mistakes I've made."

77. Long Island Teenagers Are Accused in Attack Plot on a School

July 14, 2007

New York, NY

Two Long Island teenagers have been arrested on charges of plotting a terrorist attack on a Suffolk County high school — with a “hit list” of specific students — around the ninth anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre, police officials said yesterday. The plot was discovered after a handwritten journal detailing the attack was found last week outside a local McDonald’s and turned over to the authorities, the police said. The police said the journal contained “numerous terrorist threats and plans to attack” the school, Connetquot High School in Bohemia, with guns and homemade explosives on or about April 20, 2008 — the ninth anniversary of the 1999 assault at Columbine, in which two students killed 13 people before taking their own lives.

78. High school student files suit over sexual assault at football camp

July 13, 2007

Madera, CA

A Madera County, California teenager is the second boy in the past two months to file a lawsuit against school officials, coaches, teammates and their legal guardians for a sexual assault that allegedly took place at a football camp for Gustine High School players. In the suit filed in the Madera County Superior Court, the teen and his mother allege that three teammates used an air mattress pump nozzle to assault the boy.

79. Albany High volunteer suspected in sex assault

July 12, 2007

San Jose, CA

Albany police arrested a longtime volunteer for the Albany High School wrestling team Thursday on suspicion he sexually assaulted a boy more than 20 years ago. Jon Cary Etingoff, 54, of El Cerrito, was arrested Thursday afternoon on suspicion of seven felony offenses, including lewd and lascivious acts, said Albany police Sgt. Tom Dolter. Etingoff is being held in lieu of $80,000 bail at the Alameda County jail in Oakland. The case has not yet been forwarded to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. Police would not say how the victim came in contact with Etingoff.

80. Beulah High School Employee Charged with Sex Abuse

July 12, 2007

Dothan, AL

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) - A Beulah High School employee has been arrested and charged with sexual abuse in connection with alleged sexual contact with an 18-year-old former student. According to a news release from the Lee County Sheriff's Office, 45-year-old Charles Randle Bochette of Cusseta, was charged with first-degree sexual abuse Wednesday. The alleged abuse occurred when the male victim reportedly went to Bochette's residence on the morning of July 4th.

81. Ex-teacher gets jail term for having sex with student

July 12, 2007

BEAVER, PA

A former high school teacher and son of a former school board president pleaded no contest to having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student. David M. Costanza, 28, of Baden, was sentenced to six months to two years in jail after entering his plea Wednesday to statutory sexual assault. As part of a deal, prosecutors dropped charges of aggravated sexual assault, indecent assault and corruption of minors.

82. Hoquiam coach admits sexual misconduct with wrestler

July 12, 2007

MONTESANO, SC

Hoquiam High School coach Todd Hoiness has pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with a minor involving a girl he coached on the school wrestling team. The plea was entered Wednesday under an agreement between Hoiness and Grays Harbor County prosecutors, who reduced the charged from a felony to a misdemeanor, The Daily World of Aberdeen reported. Hoiness, 40, initially was charged with having sexual intercourse with the girl. In his plea, he admitted sexual contact, including kissing and touching.

83. Former Cyprus High School teacher faces sex abuse charges

July 11, 2007

WEST VALLEY, UT

A former English teacher at Cyprus High School is facing child sex abuse charges after police say an officer caught her sexually abusing one of her male students. The West Valley City officer says he found 33-year-old Christy Brown in a parked car with a 16-year-old student near 2900 South and 5600 West. Police say Brown admitted having sex with the boy multiple times since April. He is believed to be the only victim.

84. Rowlett High teacher accused of soliciting sex from girl

July 11, 2007

Dallas, TX

A Rowlett High School history teacher has been arrested on an accusation he sent sexually explicit messages and photos to someone he thought was a 15-year-old girl. Robert Rigby, 52, of Rowlett was arrested Monday and charged with online solicitation. He posted $10,000 bond and was released from jail Tuesday, said John Ellison, a Rowlett police spokesman. Denton police said sexually explicit chats and photos occurred online between June 6 and June 29. The “girl,” was in reality a police investigator, said Jim Bryan, a Denton police spokesman.

85. Football team faces suspension over sex scandal

July 11, 2007

MIAMI, MI

A championship football program is on the line as Miami-Dade County school officials discuss suspending Miami Northwestern Senior High School's team for the 2007 season. The school has been under fire since its principal was charged with official misconduct, accused of covering up a sex scandal involving a football player.

86. Former Cyprus High English teacher charged with sex abuse of a student

July 10, 2007

Salt Lake, UT

The Salt Lake District Attorney's Office filed charges today against a former Cyprus High School English teacher accused of having sex with one of her juvenile students. Christy Anne Brown, 33, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Sunday. She was charged in 3rd District Court today with three counts of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse. Brown was arrested after a West Valley City police officer found her in a parked car along with a male juvenile near 2900 South and 5600 West.

87. Former swim coach pleads in sex case

July 10, 2007

Kansas, MO

A former high school swim coach pleaded guilty this morning to soliciting sex from someone he thought was a girl under the age of 16. Andrew P. Lovan of Kansas City pleaded guilty to one count of electronic solicitation. Lovan entered into a plea agreement with the prosecution that recommends a 36-month prison sentence. When Lovan was charged in February, the Johnson County sheriff’s office Internet Investigations Unit said it had started investigating Lovan 11 months earlier, while he was the head swim coach at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. Deputies alleged that after chatting online with a detective posing as a 14-year-old girl, Lovan went to meet the teen for sex.

88. Ex-aide gets probation for sex with students

July 10, 2007

Munster, IN

A former teacher's aide, who pleaded guilty to reduced charges stemming from having sex with two male students, will not go to jail or register as a sex offender for her crimes. Amber Marshall, 25, of Hebron, was sentenced Monday by Porter Superior Judge Roger Bradford to nearly six years on formal probation, day reporting and will undergo sex offender treatment if needed. She is forbidden from having further contact with the two victims. Porter County Deputy Prosecutor Cheryl Polarek has said Marshall has undergone two evaluations and both determined she poses no threat of committing further sex crimes.

89. Athletic Director Resigns In Wake Of Sex Scandal

July 8, 2007

Miami, FL

A high school athletic department head has stepped down after coming under fire during a sex scandal that involved the school's star football player and an underage classmate. Miami Dade school officials say the resignation of Gregory Killings as Northwestern Senior High's athletic director is a "positive step" toward letting the school move on. Killings said his decision was "more personal than anything else."

90. "(AP) Clarksville teacher given probation for sex acts with minor"

July 7, 2007

Nashville, TN

A former Clarksville teacher and basketball coach was sentenced to three years of probation for performing sexual acts with a minor. Bryan Farmer will serve only 60 days in the Montgomery County Jail, according to a written order submitted by Judge John Gasaway Friday. "This court finds that some confinement is particularly suited to provide an effective deterrence to others likely to commit similar offenses," Gasaway wrote. "The court finds that the sentence ... imposed is the least severe measure necessary to achieve the purposes for which the sentence is imposed."

91. Police: 7th-Grade Teacher Had Pics Of Children Having Sex On Computer

July 6, 2007

Orlando, FL

A seventh grade Seminole County teacher was arrested on Friday on 50 counts of possession of child pornography after police said he had numerous photos of children engaged in oral sex and sexual intercourse on his home computer. Robert Howard Williams, 62, of Sanford, was charged after investigators said they received several complaints about the Millennium Middle School teacher's online activity, including his MySpace account. According to a Seminole County Sheriff's Office report, a 19-year-old former student was concerned with the numerous "friends" on Williams' MySpace account who appeared to be middle-school age girls.

92. Ex-teacher cited on 5 sex counts

July 6, 2007

Salt Lake, CA

A former Dixie High School teacher has been charged with allegedly touching four female students in his ceramics class during the past school year. Ronald Scott Sherman, 61, is charged in 5th District Court with five counts of sexual battery, each a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. Deputy Washington County Attorney Ryan Shaum said two of the five counts were filed in connection with one of the alleged victims. The teens told police Sherman had either touched or grabbed their buttocks during class, according to a probable cause statement filed with the charges.

93. iddle school teacher faces new indictment on sex abuse charges

July 6, 2007

Gaithersburg, MD

A Montgomery County grand jury issued a new indictment Thursday for the middle school teacher charged with sexual abuse of a minor in May and arrested again last month on a second set of similar charges. Joseph Robert Ballmann, 47, of Rockville, was originally indicted by a county grand jury June 14 on a set of charges filed against him in May.

94. High School Teacher Charged with Having Sex with Student

July 6, 2007

Jacksonville, FL

A spanish teacher in Washington state is accused of getting a student pregnant. Court documents show the 16-year-old student met 25-year-old Alex Garza at the start of the school year at Moses Lake High School. The girl says she started to develop feelings for Garza during one-on-one spanish lessons.

95. School janitor convicted in sexual assault sentenced to 80 years

July 5, 2007

Tucson, AZ

A Scottsdale high school janitor convicted of raping a 14-year-old student on campus was sentenced Thursday to 80 years in state prison. Roberto Lemus-Retana was found guilty in May of four counts of sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 15, one count of sexual abuse of a minor and one count of public sexual indecency Lemus-Retana, 27, faced between 52 and 86 years in prison.

96. Teacher pleads guilty in sex with a minor case

July 4, 2007

Roseville, CA

A former Roseville middle school teacher pleaded guilty Tuesday in an Auburn courtroom to charges of having unlawful sex with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Kelly C. Spaich, 28, appeared before Judge Robert McElhany, alongside her Auburn attorney Tim Balcom. She was sentenced to 400 hours of community service, four years formal probation and four months in jail, Balcom said.

97. REDWOOD CITY / Teacher pleads not guilty to sex charges

July 3, 2007

San Francisco, CA

A San Bruno high school band teacher pleaded not guilty Monday to multiple felony charges for allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old female student. Adam Albrecht, 28, of Broadmoor, faces 16 felony counts of oral copulation with a minor and 16 felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse after he allegedly began a physical relationship with one of his students in February, Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. The relationship apparently lasted until June, Wagstaffe said. Albrecht is also charged with witness dissuasion, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of a minor for allegedly providing the girl with alcohol and marijuana, Wagstaffe said.

98. Former St. George high school teacher faces sex abuse, battery charges

July 2, 2007

Salt Lake, WA

A former Washington County school teacher was arrested for alleged sexual abuse of several of his students, according to St. George Police Sgt. Craig Harding. Harding says 61-year-old Ronald Sherman, formerly a teacher at Dixie High school, turned himself in, in cooperation with the investigation, and was booked into Purgatory Correctional Facility Monday afternoon. Harding says Sherman was booked on 1 count of forcible sexual abuse and 4 counts of sexual battery. There were 4 victims that made statements to our investigator that led to these charges being filed, added Harding.

99. San Bruno teacher pleads not guilty to sex charges

July 2, 2007

San Jose, CA

A San Bruno high school music teacher charged with having sex with a 17-year-old female student appeared in San Mateo County Superior Court this afternoon for the first time since his arrest Thursday. Dressed in a red prisoners uniform, Capuchino High School band teacher Adam Albrecht, 28, pleaded not guilty to 16 felony counts of oral copulation with a minor and 16 felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, as well as additional charges of witness dissuasion, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. Albrecht was arrested without incident Thursday night at his Broadmoor home, Broadmoor police Lt. Dave Parenti said. According to Parenti, the alleged crimes between Albrecht and the student took place primarily at Albrecht's home, between January and April of this year. Police were notified after one of the girl's parents told the superintendent, Parenti said.

100. Across Kansas: Lawrence teacher pleads guilty to sex with student

July 2, 2007

Kansas, MO

A former Lawrence High School teacher pleaded guilty Monday in Douglas County District Court to one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a student. Meredith Kane, 24, who was in her first year of teaching, was arrested March 16 for having sexual relations with a 15-year-old boy. Kane could face 55 months to 247 months in prison.

101. School calls to police on the rise

July 1, 2007

Iowa, IA

The number of police calls to area schools has sharply increased in recent years, according to the Sixth Judicial District Juvenile Delinquency Annual Statistical Report. The report, which includes Johnson County, shows that police responded to 563 complaints within the Iowa City School District. West High had the most complaints to police with 176, up 77 percent from 99 in 2004 and up 123 percent from 79 in 2002, according to the report. At City High, police responded to 134 complaints in 2006, down 31 percent from 194 in 2004, when it had the most complaints of juvenile delinquency compared to similar schools in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines.

Ok, ok!!!

2009-04-11T08:56:00.002-04:00

I've been getting calls and e-mails of "where are you?!?!". I'm here, I'm here. I've just been in a really weird place for awhile now and didn't want to drag you lovelies with me is all. I'm finding my way out though and will start getting some posts up more regularly. For instance... I plan to post about some organizational things that I'm working on and a new system for chores that I'm trying to get worked out. If I can get it worked out that is!! (insert nervous chuckle)

I would post some pictures of a day in our lives if I had a camera. I really need to look into that.... a new camera that is... I think I'll hit propertyroom.com when I leave here.

Well blog land, I really need to bug. I need to make yogurt and bread today. I'm also hoping to get a relaxing soak in the tub if I can. Have a great weekend!!

Love,
Me

2009-02-03T14:58:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd post a few things about myself and invite you to do the same! Just copy and paste and edit in your own answers! Have fun!!!

1. Where is your cell phone? hip
2. Your significant other? Handsome
3. Your hair? braid
4. Your mother? sleeping
5. Your father? Working??
6. Your favorite thing? Quiet
7. Your dream last night? none
8. Your favorite drink? Pepsi
9. Your dream/goal? land
10. What room you are in? family
11. Your hobby? tv
12. Your fear? bridges
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home
14. Where were you last night? bed
16. Muffins? blueberry
17. Wish list item? more kids
18. Where you grew up? NC
19. Last thing you did? swept
20. What are you wearing? skirt
21. Your TV? off
22. Your pets? Lhasa
23. Friends? blessings
24. Your life? blessed
25. Your mood? good
26. Missing some one? Daddy
27. Car? Crown Vic
28. Something you're not wearing? bra lol just kidding
29. Your favorite store? Old Time Pottery
30. Your favorite color? red
33. When is the last time you laughed? morning
34. Last time you cried? Saturday
35. Who will resend this? ??
36. One place that I go to over and over? Crazy
37. One person who emails me regularly? Samantha
38. My favorite place to eat? Chart House
39. Why you participated in this survey? Fun
40. What are you doing tonight? sleep

Me

A Message From the Queen

2009-01-27T06:06:00.000-05:00

I personally found this very funny, but don't be mad at me if you don't!!!

(Thank you Appleby)

A Message From the Queen

To the citizens of the United States of America from Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

In light of your failure in recent years to nominate competent candidates for President of the USA and thus to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective immediately.

Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths, and territories (except Kansas , which she does not fancy).

Your new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, will appoint a Governor for America without the need for further elections.

Congress and the Senate will be disbanded.

A questionnaire may be circulated next year to determine whether any of you noticed.

To aid in the transition to a British Crown dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect:

(You should look up 'revocation' in the Oxford English Dictionary.)

1. Then look up aluminium, and check the pronunciation guide. You will be amazed at just how wrongly you have been pronouncing it.

2. The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as 'colour', 'favour', 'labour' and 'neighbour.' Likewise, you will learn to spell 'doughnut' without skipping half the letters, and the suffix '-ize' will be replaced by the suffix '-ise'. Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to acceptable levels. (look up 'vocabulary').

3. Using the same twenty-seven words interspersed with filler noises such as 'like' and 'you know' is an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication. There is no such thing as US English. We will let M*crosoft know on your behalf. The M*crosoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take into account the reinstated letter 'u' and the elimination of -ize.

4. July 4th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday.

5. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns, lawyers, or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and therapists shows that you're not quite ready to be independent. Guns should only be used for shooting grouse. If you can't sort things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist then you're not ready to shoot grouse.

6. Therefore, you will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything more dangerous than a vegetable peeler. Although a permit will be required if you wish to carry a vegetable peeler in public.

7. All intersections will be replaced with roundabouts, and you will start driving on the left side with immediate effect. At the same time, you will go metric with immediate effect and without the benefit of conversion tables. Both roundabouts and metrication will help you understand the British sense of humour.

8. The former USA will adopt UK prices on petrol (which you have been calling gasoline) of roughly $10/US gallon. Get used to it.

9. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call French fries are not real chips, and those things you insist on calling potato chips are properly called crisps. Real chips are thick cut, fried in animal fat, and dressed not with catsup but with vinegar.

10. The cold tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not actually beer at all. Henceforth, only proper British Bitter will be referred to as beer, and European brews of known and accepted provenance will be referred to as Lager. South African beer is also acceptable as they are pound for pound the greatest sporting nation on earth and it can only be due to the beer. They are also part of British Commonwealth - see what it did for them. American brands will be referred to as Near-Frozen Gnat's Urine, so that all can be sold without risk of further confusion.

11. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as good guys. Hollywood will also be required to cast English actors to play English characters. Watching Andie Macdowell attempt English dialogue in Four Weddings and a Funeral was an experience akin to having one's ears removed with a cheese grater.

12. You will cease playing American football. There is only one kind of proper football; you call it soccer. Those of you brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which has some similarities to American football, but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body armour like a bunch of nancies). Don't try rugby - the South Africans and Kiwis will thrash you, like they regularly thrash us.

13. Further, you will stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host an event called the World Series for a game which is not played outside of America. Since only 2.1% of you are aware there is a world beyond your borders, your error is understandable. You will learn cricket, and we will let you face the South Africans first to take the sting out of their deliveries.

14. You must tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us mad.

15. An internal revenue agent (i.e. tax collector) from Her Majesty's Government will be with you shortly to ensure the acquisition of all monies due (backdated to 1776).

16. Daily Tea Time begins promptly at 4 pm with proper cups, with saucers, and never mugs, with high quality biscuits (cookies) and cakes; plus strawberries (with cream) when in season.

God Save the Queen!

What We are up to lately

2009-01-26T17:36:00.002-05:00

About 5'2". LOL I crack me up! No really, I do! Anyway, the chaos of last fall seems to have trickled over into the new year. We were recently asked to find new living quarters by the LLBM (Land Lord Baby Mama). After paying for water for both her facilities and their other tenet way over yonder, AND her electric for all of her out buildings and barns, I can't say that I'm sad to go! So, the reason I haven't been updating is becuse I'm just to busy with HSing, packing, moving and caring for Mom, the kids and babysitting. I'll try to put up pics of the new place soon.

Love Ya!

Her Royal Mness

Are you getting ready for next year??

2008-12-28T07:17:00.007-05:00

How was you CHRISTmas??

2008-12-27T08:34:00.003-05:00

Mine/ours was "fabalus" all things considering. I think I got everything I asked for this year which was VERY nice! I got an AWESOME purse that I absolutely love, a beautiful watch, my much wanted body pillow and I got to go shopping the day after to prep for next year! By far my best present was this....

Here is a close up of the note that was attached (You'd think Santa would have better grammer skills! lol)

I've also had some requests to see my next best present, so I felt obliged to add it here as well...

Like I said, all in all, it was a great CHRISTmas.

Me

Home Made Powdered Detergent

2008-12-12T07:41:00.002-05:00

I want to start out by saying that I was a bit dubious about powdered detergent. I've had problems with store bought detergents leaving residue on our clothes in the past. BUT... my friend who gave me this recipe (thanks Cyndi) didn't have that problem so I thought I'd give it a go.

You will need...

(one part Borax, 1 part Washing Soda and 2 parts soap)

1 bar of Ivory Soap *
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
A food Processor (you could do it by hand, but who has the time?!)

Start by putting your shredding blade on your FP. Stick your soap in there and let it fly!! With the flakes still in there and shredded, take off the shredding blade and put on your chopping blade. Now add your powders and give that a good whirl. Voila! Just add two table spoons to the washer while it is filling up and then add your clothes! It works GREAT!!

*you can use others, but one bar of Ivory works out to be the 1 Cup the recipe calls for.

Making my own seems to be rewarding and more frugal than buying it at the store. Plus I'm cutting out the "extra" chemicals store brands have to offer! I spent roughly $10 on supplies to make a triple batch, but have PLENTY of Borax and Washing Soda to make more and to use for other things. So really, the up front cost is (about) the same, but you get way more in the long run. BTW, I got all of my ingredients at Wal Mart except for the Washing Soda. I had to go to another local grocery store to buy that.

Have fun being that much more self sufficient!!

Me

Hello Blog Land!!!

2008-12-06T16:19:00.002-05:00

How is everyone today? Things have been hoping around the BigM home! Thanks Giving was a (near) disaster (thank you Daddy for helping save the day!), and my Mom has moved in! Our family is now 6 (plus one furry member).

Me

Give it your all!!!

2008-11-21T06:12:00.000-05:00

101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%?
What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
We have all been in situations where someone wants you to
GIVE OVER 100%.
How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help
answer these questions:

If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O- R- K
8+1+18+4+23+ 15+18+11 = 98%

And:
K-N-O-W-L-E- D-G-E
11+14+15+23+ 12+5+4+7+ 5 = 96%

But:
A-T-T-I-T-U- D-E
1+20+20+9+20+ 21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F- G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+ 6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will
get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!
God bless!!

Unassisted Miscarriage

2008-11-03T07:03:00.004-05:00

Our baby has gone back home to heaven. It's all I can say. I am sad to not have met that beautiful face, and yet rejoice at another soul going home to Him.

I had started spotting last Monday after a day of pain and discomfort. I had gone to the ER where the staff was more or less indifferent. I wish I could say that it was just the staff at this particular hospital, but having talked to others I know better than that.

I stayed home on bed rest that whole week praying that this would pass and a healthy baby would result. Alas that was not to be. This morning I awoke feeling terribly crampy and not just spotting, but now bleeding lightly and I knew it was time. I lay in bed with DH and cried. I cried not only for the physical pain, but for the lose of my baby that I knew was soon to come. I also knew that I did NOT want to go back to that cold indifferent hospital to be treated like it didn't matter. It does matter. It matters to me and my family!

At 6:45, I went into the bathroom and passed what was obviously meant to be the placenta. Had it been whole and full if life it may have been the size of a small plum. It was awful, beautiful and awe inspiring.

I'm feeling a bit better physically. The cramps are letting up (thank you God). My heart still hurts for never having met my little person, but I find tremendous comfort in knowing that God knows what He is doing. I do not know what that baby's life would have been like, and I never will this side of Heaven, but I look forward to meeting him or her again for the first time when I get there. I want to thank God for giving me the chance to be a Mommy again, if only for a very short while.

Me

BigM's Adventures

2008-10-30T09:04:00.001-04:00

Get your own Family Sticker Maker & MySpace Layouts.

We're Pregnant!!

2008-10-30T08:16:00.002-04:00

In case you didn't notice my ticker over there on the right. I'm due to have a new baby in my arms in late June! Tee Hee!!! We are so stocked you can't even imagine!!! We had a scare a couple of days ago, but that seems to have worked itself out now. I need to get busy making my list of things to buy. I am planning a home birth with a midwife and (hopefully) a doula. So cool!!! I'm not sure about the water birth thing. I think I would like to labor in it, but not give birth in it. We'll see I guess.

My only real symptoms so far are being tired and lazy. lol I'll take that! Speaking of, I'm ready for my morning rest. I may post baby bump pics later! Have a blessed day blog land!!

ME

Things are crazy around here!!

2008-10-22T07:45:00.002-04:00

While in the middle of moving boxes I received a call from my Aunt up north. Turns out that they had been trying to reach me for a week because my Mom is in a coma! So I high tailed it up there and got the scoop.

I have to say that "they" should warn you before you go in if you've never seen a "real" coma. It is not what most people think of. If you're like me you think of a patient just lying there in bed looking like they are sleeping. Sure you expect tubes and stuff, but that's it.

While a "medically induced" coma may look that way, I "real" one does not. My Mom is in a bed and yes there are tubes everywhere but! She looks nothing like she is sleeping. Her arms and legs are moving around (pretty wildly, they have to keep her strapped down) she also turns her head and makes faces like she is in pain. The worst part is that she opens her eyes and "looks" at you and will even smile and frown. I say that she does, but it isn't her. All this movement is just neuro-muscle reaction. It means nothing according to her dr. Now if she were doing a little more over and over a period of time that would be one thing, but she isn't.

She has been in this state in the hospital since the 30th of September. I flew up on the 7th of October and had to leave her there (in good hands but still) on the 14th. I was so glad to be home again and yet so sad to not be with her at the same time.

I spoke with the nurse this morning (like every morning) and learned that Mom is running another low grade fever for no apparent reason. The nurse said (off the record) that it could be her brain causing the fever. I will try to spend some time today researching what that all means. The nurse also said that today they will be adding a "PMV" to Mom's traq to see if she will talk. Why they think she would talk when she isn't even "there" is beyond me, but it isn't going to hurt the situation so I won't argue.

I want to beg all og blogland to please get your papers in order. You NEED a living will and you NEED a paper stating who you want to have Power of Attorney if something happens to you. Telling loved ones is not enough because they will second guess themselves and what you wanted in the heat of the moment. I know it can be spendy, but it isn't for you so much as it is for they family left to deal with the tragedy. Even people who know it can happen to them don't really THINK that it will.

Also, if you aren't already, get right with God. I don't know how people who do not have Him in their lives get through. Knowing that my Mom will go to heaven some day is also a great relief at this time. If things do get worse, I know I'll see her again. Much love and many blessings to you.

Me

Oh Blogland!!!!

2008-10-04T08:09:00.011-04:00

I'm so sorry, but it has been getting crazy around here!! Crazy in a good way that is!! We are moving to a new home!!! I don't have long to post (with pics) but I will do my level best to get it done.

DH finally had it with the LL last Friday (Sept. 26th) and started checking out Craig's List on the 27th. On Sunday the 28th, we decided to drive around and see what was out in the country a little bit. As we were getting a move on I asked God to guide our paths to the home that was right for us.

There was NOTHING for rent in our area. Not a single sign! We decided to go over one town and look. We saw two for rent signs, one was not what we really wanted and turned out to be out of our price range. The other claimed three BR but Pa-Lease! They were big enough for a crib....maybe!

Tired, hungry and frustrated we decided to call it a day. DH needed to drop something off at work but "on a whim" ;) turned down a side road. Sure enough there was a for rent sign, but it said two bedrooms, not three. Normally we wouldn't have bothered to call but decided to "on a whim" ;). Turns out that, yes it is a two bedroom, but it also has a big FL room on the back that is just perfect for our bedroom! Not only is it available NOW, but is in our price range and the near perfect setting for us! Thank you God!! We started moving in on Monday and have been busy since!

So here we go, a tour of the BigM Homestead!!!

These are our new digs.... We'll be scrubbing that stain off soon...

And the screen porch area to the left of that....we will go in through here...

This is our neeeiiigggghhhbor's place....

And these are some of our lovely neighbors....

Ok, back to our house.

This is the walk up to the porch area...

We will come in through the laundry room/pantry most of the time....

Which opens to the dining/kitchen. (Those kids came with the house. Sure hope they can cook!)

This is half-ish of the living room. I've got big plans for this space!!

This is most of the kids rooms here. They are actually a bit bigger than they look.

Now we are going to check out my room. There is a bunch of stuff in there to be moved out and it is kinda hard to see the glory of the room in this pic. You can't see it, but down on the other end is my own fireplace!!! How romanticle!!! I have big plans for in here as well...

And last but by far not least is the back yard. I LOVE the back yard!!

Ok, now see that beautiful sunny spot over there? That is where we plan to put our pool.

And this is where I'm thinking of putting a bench to relax on and stare out over OUR CREEK! Tee Hee! It isn't really deep enough for any alligators to enjoy, so I think the dog is safe.

Then again, this spot is really beautiful too. I may have to get another bench and split my time between the two! Decisions, decisions!!!

We also will be moving our chickens with us for those who are wondering. They just started laying eggs and I'd hate to give that up!! Tell me, what do you think??

Me

losing a piece of myself...

2008-09-18T13:44:00.003-04:00

Some of you may know that I have been "charting" for well over a year now. Some of you may not. Most of you are probably wondering what the heck "charting" is. I'll tell you...charting is when you wake up at 4am (for me) every morning and take your temperature before you even open your eyes. Then you keep track of that and a couple of other bodily clues. From these things you can tell when you are going to ovulate, that you have ovulated, and when AF is going to show up at your door. Very useful information when you are actively trying to have a baby.

This past month, I had a very long LP (luteal phase) which would indicate an impending BFP. While I tried not to get excited, I couldn't help myself. Ok, ok, I got really excited. Imagine my dismay when AF finally did show up! Initially I was afraid that I could be miscarrying so I asked God what I should do. Do I go to the hospital? Do I stay home? Not five minutes later my Dr calls (two days early) and tells me that my latest blood work was negative, meaning no baby.

Well, that answers that question. (Thanks for letting me know God, that's a load off!) Great, now I can just be bummed about the fact that it didn't happen for us again this month. I am running out of patience. Never mind the fact that we've only been trying for two months! I'm a winner and winners get it right the first time! (yeah right)

Has God ever "talked" to you? If He has, then you'll understand what I'm about to say next. If He hasn't (or you weren't listening) then you'll probably think of calling the loony bin about having me admitted. So I...?feel?...God telling me, "It's ok. It isn't time yet." Miraculously, I feel better about the whole situation. I mean that, I really did/do feel that way.

Now I come to the losing a piece of myself part. Remember where I said that I've been charting for over a year? Well, I really am feeling lead to stop. To just throw out the thermometer and give it all up to God. After all, He's in charge of it anyway right? Right. The problem is...it's a part of who I am. I just found a wonderful community of ladies that are TTC right along with me. Should I give them up to? What am I gonna do with myself a 4am everyday? Sleep?

It's not a question of whether or not I'll stop charting. God is leading me there, I'm gonna go. I'm just feeling a little sad over it, that's all. Like I'm passing out of a phase of my life that I'll never have again. I'm giving up the "control" I've felt like I had even though it was never mine to begin with. That's not an easy thing for most people, and I'm no exception.

So, here I go. I'm stepping out in faith. Giving up my control and handing it over to God, willingly. Will we have a baby? I really have faith that we will. Could I be wrong? Absolutely! I do not pretend to know the mind of God. Will I be a basket case over the next couple of months? That has yet to be seen, but I don't think it will be any worse than usual!

TTFN,
Me

Unbelievable!!

2008-09-16T17:12:00.002-04:00

The bank screwed up the deposit I made and over drafted me last week which incurs a fee. I called the bank and the lady said to go ahead and transfer my money back to my savings and she would reverse the fee. Great! So that's what I did.

FF to today. I check my account and....get this... they charged me to transfer money out of my savings, to cover them transferring money into my savings. What?!?! Ugh. I'm to tired for this crap. Now I'm still out the fee. It made my brain hurt just to look at the cluster they created. You can bet I'll be calling them first thing tomorrow.

I think I'm going to start looking onto a different bank. We went to this one because their customer service was outstanding. Since then their standards have lowered and now....not so much. They charge me $7 every month because my employer doesn't have direct deposit, and if I don't have X amount in savings they charge me for that as well every month. I do get free checks but we haven't used half a box in the three years we've had an account with them. Gee, free checks, or free checking? Not hard to do the math on that one!

OK blog land. I'm tired and I need to restif I'm going to be able to watch the season premiere of House tonight.

TTFN,
ME

Hey you Myspacers!!!

2008-09-12T08:31:00.002-04:00

A friend turned me onto the game "Dragon Wars". It's pretty cool! If you want to, you can "join My Alliance" and join in the fun too! Here is a link to my space. I hope you join, and if you do, good luck to you! I've got your back!

ME

That was fast!

2008-09-07T07:49:00.002-04:00

Just an update...Turns out our FES was a wee bit highfalutin. Seems she felt that our house was not big enough for her and her daddy pulled strings high up to move her to a "big" house. Se la vie She'll figure out what we already know. That bigger doesn't mean happier. Unfortunately she is going to be miserable at the other house. To late now though "cause she's not coming back here. I'll bet she's back in Germany by the end of next week. S, if you read this (which I doubt) we wish you the best of luck.

Me

We are getting a FES!!

2008-08-28T07:41:00.002-04:00

A Foreign Exchange Student that is! I think she is coming on Saturday! I can't believe it! We are all very excited to share our lives and to learn about the "real" Germany! It is going to be a GREAT experience!

Me

I know you see it!

2008-08-22T06:08:00.002-04:00

We have about four months until CHRISTmas. Have you started your shopping yet?

What got me going was the arrival of my Lakeside CHRISTmas Catalog. Normally I'll flip through it and toss it, but this is the big one! The CHRISTmas 2008 catalog! Sure enough I found a few things in there for the people near and dear to my heart (and a few things for me, tee hee).

You may ask yourself "Self, WHY oh WHY is she bringing this up all ready!!" Well, I'll tell you. Firstly, I absolutely abhor paying full price for things I could have gotten on sale. B, I can not afford to run out and spend boo coo bucks all at once and finally, it takes some of the pressure off to plan ahead.

I like to have anything and everything I'm going to order at my house by early to mid November. My goal is to get everything that needs mailed ready to go and in the mail the day after Thanksgiving. This includes our cards. I'll be getting them and my card address book out of storage soon. Which reminds me that I need to pick a photo and get those ordered as well. When you send out between 60-70 cards every year, the pics and postage add up fast!

I got a good start on gifts the day after last year. Every year I ask for money to be able to go shopping on boxing day. (We pros (lol) call it boxing day. I have no idea why, I believe it's a Canadian term, maybe Australian) It's getting close to the time when I get out my master list from my HMB, (Home Management Binder), and double check that what I have on the list matches what I have stored, and to go through my cuby and add what I've picked up for whom to the list. I'll then double check who I have on the list without a gift and decide from there what to get them.

My list is broken into columns. It looks something like this...

Name.....Gift/idea..................................$Limit.....Actual$....Wrapped?....Shipped?

(these are dates)

I also have another page that has a name at the top for each of the stockings I do. Then I just start adding items under the names as I pick them up. A little here and there makes for great stockings that don't seem to hurt the wallet as badly!

You may be thinking to yourself that this would take all the fun out of CHRISTmas shopping. I will tell you that you couldn't be more wrong! It puts the fun back IN shopping AND extends it the whole year through! You see, when you aren't running hither and yon stressing out about what to get whom, you can slow down and enjoy your friends and family knowing that it is all under control! Also, the joy you get when you find a treasure here and there throughout the year is just as sweet. Maybe even more so because you can take the time to appreciate it and feel very savy for having planned that much more ahead of time. Trust me!! It is a GREAT feeling!

Have a Merry CHRISTmas!
Me

911 Math Assistance

2008-08-17T12:20:00.002-04:00

This is so hilarious!! I couldn't help but post it!

This is the link.

Me

I Will Survive!!

2008-08-14T13:58:00.004-04:00

An internet friend of mine from a board I frequent posted this and said I could add it here. Thanks HeartforHome!!

Originally written and produced by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris
Originally performed by Gloria Gaynor
Mercilessly altered with apologies by Natalie Criss

First I was afraid
I was petrified.
Kept thinking I could never teach
’Cause I’m not certified.
But we spent so many nights
Reteaching homework that was wrong.
I grew strong,
so now I teach my kids at home!
We study math
and outer space.
I just kept on despite the fear
with a big smile across my face.
I bought a set of Base Ten blocks.
I bought books with answer keys.
My parents think we’re nuts,
but they don’t even bother me

Come on, let’s go walk out the door.
We’re on the road now,
'cause we’re not home much anymore
My friends would laugh and say we’d be unsocialized.
I heard one mumble
that I’d give up by July.
Oh no, not I!
I will survive!
As long as I know how to read
I know we’ll be alright.
I've got all my life to learn.
I've got energy to burn.
and I'll survive.
I will survive.

It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart.
Decided to attend
a play date at the local park,
and I met oh so many moms
who offered eagerly to help.
They used to cry.
Now they hold their heads up high,
and so do we!
My kids are cool!
They’re not those chained up little people
stuck inside at school.
So if you feel like dropping by
and just expect us to be free
you’d better call ahead first
’cause we’re probably busy!

HSG results

2008-07-30T09:30:00.003-04:00

DH and I went for my HSG (fertility test) yesterday. It was not fun! It hurt like bad "first day" cramps. I'm still hurting today. Last night I had taken a Tylenol PM and still woke in pain in the middle of the night. That's ok though because.....MY TUBES ARE OPEN!!!!! We can for sure get pg (pregnant)!! I'm so excited and happy that I want to cry! All that is left now is to BD (baby dance) at the right time and wait. Hurry up and wait. Isn't that about the story of life?

Me

Japanese IQ Test

2008-07-23T13:52:00.002-04:00

This is an IQ test given to job applicants in Japan.

"Everybody has to cross the river"

To play, click the link below - then click the blue circle to start.

The following rules apply:

Only 2 people on the raft at a time.
The Father cannot stay with any of the daughters, without their Mother's presence.
The Mother cannot stay with any of the sons, without their Father's presence.
The thief (striped shirt) cannot stay with any family member, if the Policeman is not there.
Only the Father, the Mother and the Policeman know how to operate the raft.

To move people, click on them. To move the raft, click on the pole on the opposite side of the river. The solution is possible!

http://freeweb.siol.net/danej/riverIQGame.swf

Ok, ok. For those of you who just can not take any more time to figure this out, I will put the answer on here for you.

Abbreviations: P (police) C (criminal) D (Daddy) M (mommy) DS (dear son) DD (dear daughter)

Are you sure you want the answer?? Why don't you give it another try first.
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....

1) P & C
2) P
3) P & DS (or DD, your choice just reverse them for the rest of the instructions)
4) P & C
5) D & DS
6) D
7) M & D
8) M
9) P & C
10) D
11) M & D
12) M
13) M & DD
14) P & C
15) P & DD
16) P
17) P & C

There, see! It can be done!

TTFN,
Me

We went to Mosi!!

2008-07-19T09:23:00.008-04:00

We went to Mosi (Museum of Science and Industries) yesterday and we had a BLAST!! They have the only Imax theater here in Florida and we saw "Dinosaurs Alive". It was pretty awesome! I am looking forward to going back to see more movies in the future. Here are some pics of our field trip...

Here we are at the very first dino in the "special" exhibit I can not remember the name of it right this minute...

Next was the Tyrannosaurus. A thought it was hilarious "I have a big head, and little arms! (I don't think this plan was very well thought out!?)"

Here we are as dinos ourselves. First are the girls...

This is J and I. Can you guess who's who??

This is A on the high wire. I couldn't believe she actually did it! I'd have peed myself! It is two stories up!

It was a really cool trip. They had so many things to see and do! They even had a hurricane wind "tunnel" that you can get into. The winds go up to 78 mph! Yikes!

It took us the better part of the day just to get through the whole place. Even then, we skipped some things. I was bummed that the planetarium shows were all sold out. Oh well, maybe next time. There will definitely be a next time!

TTFN,
Me

Free firewood!!!

2008-07-08T08:00:00.007-04:00

For us anyway! DH woke me this am to tell me not to let the kids go outside. Evidently, during the storms last night, a branch from our ginourmous oak tree fell! I snapped some pics, but was unable to capture the enormity of it all.

This is where the limb actually broke. It was more than 12" around.

DH's BMW is what kept it from crashing all the way down... It has a HUGE dent in the hood now...

It also took out my patio chair, but spared my table, for which I am greatful!

Here are a couple of pics from where the branch gave and hit our cement walkway...

Notice how thick it was, granted, it was on the edge, but still....

We should be pretty set for firewood this winter at least, provided it doesn't get eaten by termits between now and then! I can rest easy knowing that we will be warm!

TTFN,
Me

Yeah Me!!

2008-06-27T16:00:00.002-04:00

Look what we did for math today!!!!

We really had fun! It got the kids to practice their multiplication tables without any fussing!! It was really great!

TTFN,
Me

The Smack Down!!

2008-06-24T06:16:00.003-04:00

Well, I (finally) put the smack down on the kids yesterday. I want them to take more pride in the state of the house, and do it on their own kwim?? So, no more TV, Wii or computer until I see a consistent habit of taking the initiative and cleaning up without being yelled at or even told. They have a schedule they follow and the chores are not new.

I am just sick and tired of things being put NEXT to where they go! >:( For example, someone makes a sandwich and gets out the cheese, mayo, ketchup, lettuce and turkey. Instead of putting things back where they go, they cram them all on a shelf in the fridge. Then, when I go to put something in there, I have to rearrange the whole thing!

The last straw was yesterday when I stubbed my really bad toe (as opposed to my bad toe on the other foot) on a pair of DD1's boots because they were sitting NEXT to where they go. It hurt sooo bad! (Actually, it is still a little sore) How much more effort would it have taken to put them UNDER the bench in stead of six inches in FRONT of the bench??

So, today will be interesting I'm sure! We shall se how long it takes but I'm guessing at least a month. They'll pick up on it at first, and after a week start whining about it and slack off, so I'm betting 4-6 weeks to make it a habit. Wish us "luck"!!

TTFN,
Me

Our tenth anniversary!!

2008-06-10T11:57:00.011-04:00

It's been awhile hasn't it? Sorry about that. Things get busy around here!

DH and I recently celebrated our 10th anniversary and all I can say is...Wow!! The whole thing was a surprise for me. He did a wonderful job! The effort he put into it meant even more to me then the things we did, kwim??

It started before I even realized when a friend of ours dropped off his car. I was like..."Why is he planning on working on a car? Aren't we going to be busy??" LOL He was dropping it off so we could use it!! Here is a pic....

This car is super cool!! It talks to you, it has a bum massager, dual air control and best of all...AIR CONDITIONED SEATS!!!! Oh man I want a car like this!!!!

So then we were off. DH got us a room on the TENTH FLOOR of the ever so posh Hyatt in Sarasota, over looking the gulf! It was beautiful! I got some pics for you...

This is the view when you walk in...

This is the view through the window....

The interior of the room coordinates with the hallways outside....

Here is the best view!!

While DH was taking a quick shower, we had a knock on the door. It was room service! Complements of the hotel manager himself! I don't know if they do that for every guest or not, but I like to think that they do not! Tee Hee!

Then we went to Saint Armand's Circle to check out the shops. Very high end stuff and very nice! It may have been out of my price range, but we had fun anyway!

THEN (this is the best part) we went to Chart House for dinner. It was wonderful!! We got there right on time for our reservation! (I couldn't believe that a) he made a reservation or b) that we got there on time for it!)

This is what the menus looked like...

Look a little closer....

How cool is that!!!! Afterwards, we watched the sunset on a semi-private beach. It was so pretty! We had a little time so we went and sat by the pool to relax for a few minutes. This pic makes me look funny but it was the only way I could get the waterfall into the pic...

Then we went to McCurdy's Comedy Theater and saw Diane Ford! We had a blast! We didn't make it back to the hotel until REALLY late that night. I love my honey, and he loves me. While out looking around Saint Armand's we saw a sign that expressed exactly how we feel...

"Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, a fairy tale comes true"

Thank you God, for letting us live this fairy tale!!!

TTFN,
Me

Shame on you SubWay!!!

2008-05-26T07:15:00.002-04:00

This is the article from the above link....

Subway sandwich contest: Homeschoolers not wanted
Spelling-challenged promotion offers gift 'bastket' to winners

Posted: May 24, 2008
7:00 pm Eastern

By Jay Baggett
© 2008 WorldNetDaily

Subway, the sandwich restaurant, wants to hear your child's story – unless he or she is homeschooled.

The national chain's "Every Sandwich Tells a Story Contest" offers prizes and a chance to be published on the Subway website and in Scholastic's "Parent & Child" magazine but specifically excludes homeschoolers:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Contest is open only to legal residents of the Untied (sic) States who are currently over the age of 18 and have children who attend elementary, private or parochial schools that serve grades PreK-6. No home schools will be accepted.

Subway's website promotion not only misspells "United" States, but offers the grand prize winner a "Scholastic Gift Bastket (sic) for your home."

The 2007 winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee was Evan O'Dorney, a 13-year old homeschool student from Danville, Calif.

Contestants are urged to write, in 500 words or less, a story that has a beginning, middle, and end using one of four provided story starters:

The Mysterious Meatball
When the invitation to the Meatball came in the mail...

Turkey Doesn't Live Here Anymore
There was a loud knock on the door, but when Salami Sam opened it ...

The Race to Red Onion Ranch
Everyone gathered in the center of town for the start of the race except ...

Nothing Better
The smell of fresh baked bread coming from the store was so good that ...

The contest, launched in January, has a deadline of June 30, 2008. A grand prize winner and 6 runners-up will be selected on July 15 and announced approximately a week later.

The company's website promotion encourages submitters to describe in their essays "random acts of fitness," such as eating right, exercising, playing sports and living a healthy lifestyle.

Subway has marketed itself for several years as a healthy alternative to fast food, featuring spokesman Jared Fogle who went from 425 pounds to 190 pounds on a daily diet of the chain's lower-calorie sandwiches.

The exclusion of homeschoolers, presumably because the grand prize includes $5,000 worth of athletic equipment for the winning child's school, has caught the attention of bloggers who educate their children.

Valerie Bonham Moon, writing for HomeEdMag, referred to the exclusion as "Subway's P.R. gaffe."

"By now, the Subway sandwich shop marketing division must know how bad of a decision it was on the part of whichever wonk who decided to expressly exclude homeschoolers from their latest contest. E-mail lists may not be utterly aflame over the exclusion, but there is more than one p---ed-off homeschool mom spreading the word. I've been reading their e-mails."

Moon notes Subway, with a bit of forethought, could have easily included homeschoolers:

"One of the more obvious work-arounds that the developers of the Subway contest could have included for homeschooling parents who entered on their children’s behalf, was for the equipment to be donated to a local park, or to a school of the winner's choice. Problem solved – good will all around. Too bad that it didn't play out that way.

"I look forward to seeing how the Subway wonks handle their self-inflicted wound."

*********************************************************************************
Are these people kidding me?? How can it be legal to discriminate this way?? I guess I just thought that we were out of the "dark ages" as far as HSing goes! I here by boycott SubWay until they realize what a HUGE mistake this is and reverse it! I'm asking all HSers and their friends and families to call their local SubWay to rip 'em and then boycott them as well! What are they afraid of?? That we'll show up PSers?? The whole thing is a bunch of phewie!

Me

Updates on Us

2008-05-23T21:50:00.002-04:00

Hello blog land!! I am revamping some of our schedules and it is taking more time than I had anticipated. Let's see, what's "new" around here. Well, we are officially TTC now! (Trying To Conceive) I was scheduled to have an HSG test this week, but the Dr needed to reschedule and I just couldn't swing the new time they had available. So, if we don't get PG right away then I will try to have it done next month. I'm pretty sure at least one tube is open though, so chances are good that they both are. Yippee!!

I/we have decided to try the cloth diaper route this time (lord willing). You would not believe all the stuff out there these days! It is VERY overwhelming to say the least! But, joy of joys, an internet friend of mine has some that I am going to buy off of her to start my "collection" with! Tee Hee! The pics are really cute!! I'll try to put up pics of my own when I get them. One of them is bright orange. DH will love it, AND! It is an "AIO" (All In One), so on the off chance that he will be here alone changing the baby it will be easy for him! To cute!! I really hope things go quickly, or I'm going to be a basket case! lol

I/we have also talked about where to have said baby when/if the time comes. I do NOT want to go to a hospital for it at all! So we have decided to hire a CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) and a doula and have it at home! (Crazy I know) They (I think both I'm not sure) even come to my house for most of the prenatal appointments!! How cool is that?! No finding a sitter and driving clean to the next town! Woo Hoo!! It also puts me closer to the hospital that my Gyn Dr is at which will be nice. There is little chance of having to go that route, but better to be prepared I say.

Well blog land, it is 10 pm and I really need to curl up with a book and get tired. "C"-ya!

TTFN,
Me

I Miss My Daddy

2008-05-19T11:59:00.002-04:00

When I was little,
He went away,
I was so young,
I didn't know to pray...

I loved him so deeply,
As he did me,
When ever I saw him,
Our hearts jumped with glee...

He was my life line,
Though I couldn't stay,
And now that I'm older.
I do stop to pray...

I pray for his peace,
I pray for his heart,
No matter the miles,
Our hearts will not part...

Week Three Cleaning Schedule

2008-05-19T08:54:00.001-04:00

Week Three Cleaning Schedule

This is Week Three...The Bathroom(s) and an extra room. My extra room is the kids room. It is my nemesis!! I really dislike doing their room, but alas, it must be done!!

WEEK THREE, THE KIDS ROOM AND THE BATHROOMS!!

THE KIDS ROOM...

Polish Furniture
Straighten Drawers
De-Web
Wash Mattress Pads
Flip Mattresses
Wash Curtains
Wash Windows
Cull Toys
Clean Under Beds/Dressers (Ugh)
Clean Out Closet
Sort/Cull Clothes
Sweep under EVERYTHING
Dust Baseboards
Clean Fingerprints off the walls
Re-arrange Multi media

BATHROOM(S)

Wash Rugs
Sweep Floor
Scrub Floor
Treat Septic System
Straighten Drawers/Baskets/Linens
De-Web
Clean Shower Stall and Curtain/Door
Clean Scale and What Nots
Wash Windows Inside and Out
Wash Mirrors
Scrub Toilet Base w/ Toothbrush
Scrub Faucet w/ Toothbrush
Clean Trash Can
Throw Out Empties
Clean Medicine Cabinet

Our Aloha Birthday!!

2008-05-16T21:03:00.008-04:00

Aloha!!!

DS just turned 8, and he wanted an "island party". So I hit the dollar tree at just the right time!! For the party I bought...

3 Grass skirts
3 bags of punch balloons
7 hats
6 flowers for our hair (3 for $1.00)
A table cloth
2 things of dry grass
1 Palm Tree
One Tiki
Coordinating Glasses
Sparkle Candles
Silverware
Glow Stick Lantern
6 lei (at 3 for $1.00)
1 lei for the birthday boy
1 Party dress for the dog

I'll do the math and tell you that I spent a total of $28 at "The Tree". I think that is FANTABULOUS!! I did have to get a couple of things at WM, and publix. So I also ended up getting...

Water balloons for $3
Dry Ice $2 (wich didn't pan out BTW)
Capri Suns for $2.50 (can't have an island party without Hawaiian punch!)
Various baking supplies for maybe $5
Plastic Dinos for $3!! (ouch)
Three large Pizzas $20
Movies to watch $5

So for less than $75, we had a smashing party! ( A little here and there of course) I am uber-greatful that my kids know full well that the party itself is a gift. We all had a great time! I took some pics if you want to see them!!

Here is the table...

Here is a close up of the cake. I think I would have needed "professional" cake pans to make it look better, but oh well...

Here they are throwing water balloons at each other...

Look out!!!!!

And best of all, a happy birthday boy!!!

Trying something new

2008-05-13T08:51:00.001-04:00

I'm going to try adding my cleaning schedules as a page element. It may post things twice, I'm not sure. I hope you all have a blessed day!!

TTFN,
Me

Week Two Cleaning Schedule

2008-05-13T08:31:00.002-04:00

This is Week Two...this is an important room of the house...the Kitchen and Laundry Room!! This week and next are also my hardest weeks. Remember to try to accomplish 1/4th of the list Mon-Thur so you can get it done quickly!

WEEK TWO KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY ROOM

Empty and throughly clean the Fridge
De-Web
Clean Microwave Inside and Out
Clean Stove and Oven (even under the drip pans please!)
Wash Canisters and Knick-Knacks
Clean Coffee Maker (I use Vinegar)
Soak and Scrub the Trash Can, Inside and Out
Move small appliances and scrub the counters
Straighten Drawers and Cupboards
Wipe fingerprints off the walls
Wash Windows Inside and Out
Clean Fans and Filters
Wash deep fryer grease and deep fryer
Scrub down cabnet fronts
Clean lights
Organize under the sink and throw out old rags
Clean the pet dishes and containers
Move everything and sweep
Scrub Floors
Clean the top of the fridge
Clean faucet with a tooth brush
Wash Curtains (I soak mine in the trash can, I can bleach both in one fell-swoop this way)

LAUNDRY ROOM

Wipe down Washer and Dryer
Clean under the Washer Lid
De-Lint the dryer (take the back off even)
Throw out empty bottles
Check Supplies and add to Grocery List
Clean the Trash Can
De-Web
Sweep and Mop
Wash Windows Inside and Out
Look Around Appliances for Lonely Socks (This is what DS calls un-mated socks lol)

Why Cover??

2008-05-07T15:36:00.003-04:00

I cover, I get asked often why I cover and my answer is very basic. "Because the Bible (God) says to cover." It really IS that simple. The rebuttal I get most often is that the Bible says that a womans hair is her cover. Unfortunately, most do not realize that this verse is taken out of context. Some of you will be mad and feel that your toes are being stepped on. Maybe you should ask yourself WHY you are upset, could it be that you are feeling convicted??

1 Corinthians 11:1-3 (King James Version)

1 Corinthians 11

1Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

2Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

To reiterate; The head of a woman is her man, the head of a man is Christ, and the head of Christ is God...

1 Corinthians 11:4-8 (King James Version)

4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

SO, it seems that a man covering his head while praying is dishonoring Christ (his head).

BTW, do you think this is why men are to take their hats off inside, and women don't?

5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

A woman who prays with her head UNcovered dishonors her man (and by extension, God) just as if she had shaved her head.

6For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

If a woman is not covered, let her be shaved, and if being shaved is shameful, let her cover.

7For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Men, do not cover because you are the very image of God, but women come from men, and we are to be their glory.

8For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man.

1 Corinthians 11:13-15 (King James Version)

13Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

Ask yourself, is it beautiful or proper (comely) to pray uncovered??

14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

It is shameful for a man to have long hair

15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

Women are to have long hair, because God gave it to her.

I think that this is where most people get confused. To be honest, I can understand that. Let's look at it this way..

1) Women are to cover
2) If a woman is not covered, let her be shaved (shorn).

If your hair is your cover, and you shave it (uncover) how can you shave your head for not being covered??

TTFN
Me

The Bible, begining to end!!

2008-05-06T06:33:00.001-04:00

The Bible, begining to end!!

The following is from a lady in Oregon . It is priceless! The Bible explained by kids - truth has been redefined!

One of our favorite jobs has been leading junior church. We try to do more than Baby-sit our church's beloved little ankle-biters during their time in our special junior church facility. We aim to give them a solid background in biblical history. At the end of each year, we give them pencils and paper and ask them to chronicle what they have learned.

This assignment never fails to elicit some intriguing responses. In case you're a little foggy on your biblical history, let our junior church students help you with his complete overview of the Bible, compiled from their essays:

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one,' but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me alight!' and someone did. Then God made the world. He split the Adam and made Eve.

Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something. One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti.

Then He gave them His top ten commandments. These include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's bottom (the Bible uses a bad word for bottom that I'm not supposed to say. But my Dad uses it sometimes when he talks about the President).. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua, who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of the New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn, too, because my Mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisee sand the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven, but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

There! Now you understand!

The next small step in our reversal Journey

2008-05-02T15:45:00.002-04:00

Well, this am I went for my "female" exam. What fun...NOT! Anyway, she said that everything looked good (thank you glitter!...just kidding), and I will be scheduling my HSG test soon. I'm excited about that, but what REALLY got me excited is when she told me to go to the store and get......PRENATAL VITAMINS!!!! If I'm this excited over that, imagine how off the wall I will be when we get pg!! Tee Hee! I went ahead and splurged on the more expensive ones because they do not contain all the extra carp that the cheapies have in them. I do not really care what color they are, so why do I want to add dye and extra sugar to my diet?? No thanks!

I also just got off the phone with my insurance provider about the cost of having a baby. I have to pay $500 up front, and 20% of everything after that! Wow! That's a lot different than when the others were born! With them, I paid $10 for my first visit, and that was that! Oh, well. Times, they are a changin'!

Well blog land, I need to get off this 'puter and do something....anything! lol

TTFN,
Me

IIIIIII'MMMMM SSIIIIIIICCK!!

2008-05-01T08:35:00.002-04:00

Whine, whine, whine! Sniffle, Sniffle....

I got this cold out of no where, and man! It is really bringing me down! Yuck! I need to get on the ball, but I just can not seem to get up the gumption!

OK, 'nuf about that! Move on BigM! Are you getting a stimulus check?? We are trying to decide how best to spend ours. I just do not know what would be best. Part of me wants to just hold on to it, another part of me wants to spend it all on bulk foods like rice and dry milk. Maybe we will do some of each. I just don't know. I know that some of our local stores are giving incentives to spend it at their store, but I'm not down with that. I would rather spend it now while prices are where they're at, instead of later when the prices have gone up even further, kwim? What good is an extra 10% if prices have gone up 10% or more by the time I spend it??

I also think that "they" are playing a little dirty. Did you know that, statistically, 25% of all gift cards go unused? What a bummer! I can't see that happening to me though, I'm to much of a stickler for that. We use the "envelope" system, and I have a spot just for gift cards, so that isn't very likely to happen to us. Could you imagine going to...I don't know, WM, and getting a gift card for $1000+10%, and then not using it! Or even using all but $275 of it, and losing it?? No thanks! I think I'll use it at a bulk foods store, get my food at a "lower" price, and not have to sweat it!

Well blog land, I need to get out of this chair before it attaches itself to my rear! lol

TTFN,
Me

Week 5 Cleaning Schedule!!

2008-04-28T07:30:00.002-04:00

Well, last week went well, but as you may have been able to tell, I didn't have any extra time for the 'puter! If you are following along, don't worry, it smooths out really quickly. This week we are going to clean the Living Room/Den area, with just a touch of guest room...

Week 5

This week we are in the Living Room/Family Room/Den. Don't forget to do your DCS as well!

Clean Cobwebs
Clean Windows (inside and out)
Wash Nik-Naks and What-Nots
Clean out end tables
Straighten Game Closet
Straighten Book Cases
Wipe Fingerprints from Walls
Polish furniture
Clean Ceiling Fan
Clean Phone
Clean under Cushions
Clean Out Fireplace
Move Furniture and Vacuum
Clean TV Screen
Wash Guest Room Bedding

We are also on week two of our menu schedule, but the kids are "callin" so I'll have to post it later. Have a blessed day in Blog Land!

TTFN
Me

How To Be

2008-04-21T07:41:00.003-04:00

How To Be A Good Wife

I copied this from my HSM4Christ forum with permission. I really think it says volumes, and I try to accomplish this list every day!

Get your work done. Plan tasks with an eye on the clock. Finish or interrupt them an hour before your husband is expected home. Your anguished cry "are you home already?" is not exactly a warm welcome.

"She...worketh willingly with her hands." Proverbs 31:13

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know you have been thinking of him and are concerned for his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.

"...She bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." Proverbs 31:14,15

Prepare yourself. Take 15 min. to rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

"She maketh herself covering of tapestry; he clothing is silk and purple. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." Proverbs 31:22,25

Clear away the children. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order and it will give you a lift too.

"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27

Prepare the children. Take just a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed..." Proverbs 31:28

Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate noise of washer dryer, dishwasher, vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

"And that ye study to be quiet..." I Thessalonians 4:11

Be happy to see him. Greet him with a smile and act glad to see him.

"...Her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs 31:28

Some don'ts, don't greet him with a problem or complaint. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this minor compared with what he might have gone through during the day.

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her..." Proverbs 31:11

Make him feel comfortable. Have him lean back into a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillows and offer to massage his neck and shoulders and take off his shoes. Speak in a soft, soothing, pleasant voice. Allow him to relax to unwind.

"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." Proverbs 31:29

Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Proverbs 31:26

Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.

"Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:31

The goal, try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

"She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:12

2008-04-20T17:45:00.002-04:00

OK blog land! Back in the saddle...

For our menu this week we are having...
MON
baked french toast with mixed berries
PBnJ with yogurt
Smoked Sausage w/Green Beans and Potatoes and Black Bread
TUES
Pancakes w/HM syrup
Chili w/Crackers
Black Beans w/corn and Corn Bread
WED
Coffee Cake
Cheese Sand w/canned Fruit (CF)
Sausage and Rice Casserole w/Biscuits
THURS
Biscuits w/Gravy
HM Lunchables w/Oranges (FF)
Main Dish Baked Beans w/Corn Bread
FRI
Baked Oats
Bologna w/CF
Sat
HM Cereal
Grilled Cheese w/Yogurt
DH Cooks
SUN
Bagels
Quisadillas
Roasted Chicken w/Mashed Poatoes, a Veggie and Sweet Rolls

MONDAY CLEANING

Dust the Living Room
Start a loaf of Bread
Go to the Bank
Make Yogurt
1/4 Detail Cleaning List

WEEK FOUR CLEANING SCHEDULE

This week I have three rooms lined up. They are…

The Master Bedroom

Vacuum area Rugs
Polish Furniture
Clean Off all Dressers
Organize Armoire
Clean Cob-Webs
Clean My Mini Fridge
Wash Dust Ruffle
Clean under the Bed
Toss out all Trash
Flip the Mattress
Clean the Ceiling Fan
Wash Windows
Cull Books
Wash Curtains
Clean the Closet
Straighten Drawers
Wash All Bedding

The Guest Room

Polish Furniture
Straighten Drawers
Clean Cob Webs
Wash Mattress Pad
Flip Mattress
Wash Curtains
Wash Windows
Clean Sewing Machine
Straighten Book Case
Clean the Ceiling Fan

The Office

Clear Off the Desk
Cull Pens
Sharpen Pencils
Clean out Trash Can
Straighten Drawers
Clean Off Monitor
Dust Electronics
Refill Printer
Move Everything and Vacuum
Clean Windows
De-Web
Check Supplies (ink, paper, stamps, envelopes, etc.) add to Grocery List
Clean Ceiling Fan

For those of you who see my list and think..."Is she nuts? I can't even SEE my closet floor, let alone clean my closet!" I would suggest 4-15 minute cleaning bursts. Set a timer, and work on just one area at a time. DO NOT DRAG EVERYTHING OUT! Save that for after you have put a big dent in your de-cluttering process! Happy cleaning!!

Me

Baked Oats

2008-04-18T17:53:00.005-04:00

This is another recipe that I got from My Measuring Stick.

The kids LOVE this. It is very filling and usually keeps the whinnies away. Not to mention very healthy!

3 Cups of Oats (or left over cereal)
1/2 Cup Oil (preferably coconut)
1/2 Cup Syrup
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
3 TBSP whey (left from making cream cheese, or water as a substitute)
1 Cup Water
3 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp (aluminum free) Baking Soda, yep they put metal in your baking soda
1/3 Cup of any dried fruit you have on hand, including raisins (optional)

To Make

The night before mix all of the ingrediants together and stuff on a shelf in the fridge.

In the am, preheat the oven to 350, and butter up a loaf pan. Bake it for 35-45 minutes depending on your oven.
To serve, I cut it into thick slices and slather it with butter. Yummmmm!! My three kids and the loaner baby it an entire loaf, but they are big eaters!

As a note, when it is finished baking, the middle will be solid. If you take it out and it is "runny, pop it back in for five minutes at a time. Enjoy!

The Doctors Appointment

2008-04-18T16:44:00.001-04:00

This was posted in one of the forums I frequent and it is so good, I had to pass it on!!

This has to be read, laughed at and passed on. There is not a woman
alive today who won't crack up over this!

I was due for an appointment with the gynecologist later in the week.
Early one morning, I received a call from the doctor's office to tell
me that I had been rescheduled for that morning at 9: 30 am.
I had only just packed everyone off to work and school, and it was
already around 8: 45 am. The trip to his office took about 35 minutes, so I didn't have any
time to spare. As most women do, I like to take a little extra effort
over hygiene when making such visits, but this time I wasn't going to be
able to make the full effort. So, I rushed upstairs, threw off my pajamas, wet the washcloth that
was sitting next to the sink, and gave myself a quick wash in that area
to make sure I was at least presentable. I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, donned some clothes,
hopped in the car and raced to my appointment. I was in the waiting room for only a few minutes when I was called
in. Knowing the procedure, as I'm sure you do, I hopped up on the table,
looked over at the other side of the room and pretended that I was in
Paris or some other place a million miles away. I was a little surprised when the doctor said, "My, we have made an
extra effort this morning, haven't we?" I didn't respond.

After the appointment, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home. The
rest of the day was normal. Some shopping, cleaning, cooking.
After school when my 6 year old daughter was playing, she called out
from the bathroom, "Mommy, where's my washcloth?" I told her to get another one from the cupboard.
She replied, "No, I need the one that was here by the sink, it had
all my glitter and sparkles saved inside it." NEVER going back to that doctor ever!!

Next week

2008-04-16T13:28:00.002-04:00

OK blog land. I'm ready to get back on the horse as it were. Next week, I'm starting my cleaning and cooking schedules. I am going to start at week four because that gives me a couple of weeks before the more "intensive"rooms. (the kitchen and kids rooms) If any of you would like to join me, I will be posting details on where and when for you to use as a guide. Notice I said guide. I have no idea what your house is like. I don't know what rooms you have or don't have. Feel free to add to or subtract from what I've got going and make it your own because, after all, it is yours! So, gear up to do your Master Bedroom, your Office Space, and an Extra Room of your choice. Mine is the guest room/chicken room (lol).

I also want to take the time to publicly thank my BIL. He sent me a gift today! He not only spent money to send me a new sewing machine (and a gift card I might add), but even more valuable than that, he also took the time and energy to do it! That was very thoughtful J! Love ya!!

Lets see, what else have I got going on??? OH, I won't know for awhile yet, but I think I "lucked" out and got a rooster against the odds! Woo Hoo! This particular chick is developing a comb much faster than the rest. A pretty good sign if you ask me! They have started scratching. and they have gotten feathers on their wings. Very cute! They have also started getting tail feathers, and "flying" around the brooder box. They're going to out grow it fast by the looks of things. lol I'll have chickens flying all through the house! Oh No!!

Well, dear readers, I need a nap. I'll c-u next time!

TTFN,
Me

The thrill of the Hunt!!

2008-04-12T14:40:00.002-04:00

Hello Blog Land!! I'm sorry my posting has been so sporadic, but I've been using my "feel good" time in other areas lately. Like reclaiming the house, home schooling, heck, I even went grocery shopping yesterday! Yeah ME!! Today, however the family went garage sale-ing!! (lol the 'puter doesn't like my "isms")

It was awesome!! Anytime we go "hunting" I take a few minutes to pack a soft cooler with waters, and snacks for the kids. It has never failed me! It not only saves me money, but it also saves me time! (not to mention avoiding the whinnies)

Yesterday while out and about I saw that one of the local churches was having a rummage sale. Those tend to be the best because of...
a) the size/number of participants
b)proximity/organization of the items and
c) the prices tend to be good enough that I don't feel the need to haggle. (haggling at a church function is generally frowned upon, but it can be done)

I like to have a list of items to look for in mind before hand. It helps to keep me "in check". Today I was looking for
1) play pen (I actually need three)
2) big enamel pans for making soap
3) utensils for soap making
4) I am always looking for any books that the kids can use, or that would help us on our HS journey.
5) Also, clothes that are in good condition (for a good price) are a given as well.

When DH got home from work I told him that I wanted to check out the church sale, and he mentioned a sale that he had passed on his way home. I have to admit that I was more than a little perturbed when he wanted to take a nap first, but I knew that we would all appreciate it if he took one. ;) He "finally" got up about ten, because I was insisting that "all the good stuff is going to be GONE" (lol in FL most sales are completely over by 1:30)

We went to the sale he passed on his way home first. It was a pretty good sale. I scored the book "What to Expect When You're Expecting" (just being hopeful), a wire strainer with a ring on the bottom so it will sit on it's own (much needed here) and best of all, I got DS's baseball uniform for his upcoming Tap Recital!! I got him a jersey, and the pants for $2!! I even picked up an extra pair of baseball pants in case one of the other kids can't find any! Rock ON! His dance teacher will be just as stoked as I am about it!

Then we headed toward the church sale. We stopped at another on the way, but only got DD1 a purse for 50 cents. Of course, as soon as we passed Wendy's it was "I'm hungry, I'm thirsty". Dunt-da-da-duhn!! I whip out the cooler!! Ha Ha! Money and time saved!! (I'll be it not what the kiddies had in mind)

Just as I suspected, the rummage sale was a gold mine!! By the time we go there, they had reduced everything to half the sticker price! Woo Hoo! We ended up getting...

A BRAND NEW pasta maker for $4
Much needed (not! lol) speakers $5
Books books books
Material enough for at least 4-5 dresses
A HUGE enamel pot (one list item down) $1.50
A hand blender for soaping (list item two) 50 cents
A bag of clothes for the kids $2
A pack and play (yeah another list item) $7.50
An old school desk $7.50
A tent $5
A couple of nice wicker baskets for projects I have in mind 25 Cent FOR BOTH!!

After the church we stopped at two more sales. At the first I got four baby outfits (again wishful thinking, but who can pass up Carters at 50 cents a piece?) and DH got an awesome deal on a really good knife and a bamboo cutting board.

DH went nuts at the very last sale. A lady who used to have a western wear store was selling the last of her merchandise. He bought a couple of REALLY nice shirts and a kick awesome belt buckle. I bought a pair of itty-bitty wrangler jeans. They are size 1T. Sooo cute! DH just left to go back and get matching belts for himself and DS. It is going to make a GREAT birthday gift for DS next month! (Shhh, don't tell DS)

All in all, I knocked out my entire list plus some nice extras! We spent a total of $44 at the church. Granted, it was not all necessity, but it is nice to get wants sometimes too. OH, btw, I need one pack n' play for my baby chickens that we just got, and I will need two more because it looks like I'm going to pick up two new loaner babies!! My house is going to be so full! I will have a 6mo, 1 1/2 yo and a 2 1/2 yo in addition to my three, the dog (who is a lot like another kid) and 12 baby chicks!! lol What fun!!

I love a great deal! Shoot, who doesn't?? The thrill of the hunt is just as sweet as the kill if you ask me! Even if you don't get to haggle!

TTFN,
Me

Good grief!!

2008-04-05T09:33:00.002-04:00

My son...Oh, my son! DH calls this am and asks DS to put the wet clothes in the dryer. I go out to check it, and notice that there are three baskets sitting there. Wait a minute, I think to my self, how can there be three empty baskets and only two places to put laundry?? I check the washer, looks fine. I check the dryer...Oh MAN! He didn't bother to look in the dryer, so he just threw wet clothes in with dry ones. Great! Now I have three loads of wet clothes. NIIIIICE!

Me