But I am trying again.
I signed up over at Hip Homeschool Moms for their Hip Homeschool Hop. It happens every week so I am feeling the pressure to perform! lol
I really am going to try to remember to do this every week.
Here goes nothin'!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Trying again
I have started so many meme's but I can't ever seem to stick with them.
But I am trying again.
I signed up over at Hip Homeschool Moms for their Hip Homeschool Hop. It happens every week so I am feeling the pressure to perform! lol
I really am going to try to remember to do this every week.
Here goes nothin'!!
But I am trying again.
I signed up over at Hip Homeschool Moms for their Hip Homeschool Hop. It happens every week so I am feeling the pressure to perform! lol
I really am going to try to remember to do this every week.
Here goes nothin'!!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Learning to help
Sweet Pea loves to bake. I love that she loves to bake bc then I don't have to! lol She bakes all kinds of sweets for us to enjoy and now Bug is helping her.
She had a ball helping Sweet Pea mix the chocolate chip muffins!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Sleepovers. Really?
Our two older girls planned a sleep-over Friday night. I absolutely adore the girls that came over. But I do not enjoy staying up late listening to them giggling.
Not that I mind them giggling, but if I have just fallen asleep it tends to make me cranky to be woken up abruptly by chortling girls.
Anyway...
Friday night I took the oldest two to a movie. It was fun until the movie started. It was a worthless movie that will haunt me for quite some time to come. Jack and Jill with Adam Sandler is one to avoid. After the movie we came back home and I crawled into bed. My bones were crying out to be horizontal.
The girls, however, don't suffer from old bones-itis, and stayed up for longer than I care to think about. Now, truth be told I regularly stay up later than they did on this night but when it is my choice I am much happier about it. They were in their bedrooms by 12:30 but they were far from quiet.
At 12:36 I trudged down the littered hallway trying to avoid breaking my toes on the multiple items haphazardly discarded without a second thought. These same items will be treasured possessions when I late pick them up to take them to Goodwill. It's a priceless tradition that will live on in our household for years to come.
After I have successfully navigated the priceless treasures I knock on the first door. Music is blaring from the room as the door opens. Bright eyed girls open the door, smiling at me. I so did not need to see them smiling. It did nothing for my disposition.
Said girls lovingly gazed at me and said, "Yes, Mommy?" Can I be frustrated at that?
Yup.
I calmly asked them to be quieter and walked to the next room.
I was hopeful that the next set of girls would respond in the same way. The knock on the door was still full of hope. That hope was dashed when the door opened a little too quickly. Both girls in that room were wide-eyed and smiling mischievously. "Yes?" Was what I was met with.
hmmm...
"Please be quite." It's all I could get out without being snarky. Hopefully it would be enough.
I fell asleep quickly and was in that magical black place that is peaceful and sweet. When suddenly I was brought back to reality with a slap in the face. No, not literally. But the giggling and loud talking was just as effective. I staid under the warm blankets for a few more minutes until I heard them again.
They were being so loud. (probably not really but at 1am it seemed like they were screaming) I marched back down the hallway somehow avoiding the tripping hazards and pounded on the door. (knocked quietly not to wake up everyone else but in my heart I was pounding) The music turned off at the sound of my knock but no one answered the door.
More knocking.
Quiet footsteps were heard around the stage whispers.
The door slowly creaked open and a sweet and still too awake face peered out. Her bright eyes really irritated me. I know it wasn't rational but I was extremely and freaky upset with them at that moment. I somehow managed to growl out, "Please be quiet." It wasn't said with the most loving thoughts or feelings but at least I didn't scream at them, right?
"We were trying to be quiet." She squeaked out. She was still smiling and I had the urge to pull her hair or punch her in the face. Did I mention that I was freaky tired?
"T.r.y.h.a.r.d.e.r." I am pretty sure that my lips never moved because my jaw was clenched shut. Then I think I made some idle threats about taking the friends home, spun around on my heel, and stomped back to my room. (I so would not have gotten out at 1am to take a kid home unless they were puking their guts out. I'm just sayin'.) I'm not going to say that I slammed my door; I'll let you figure that one out.
I blissfully fell back asleep while the girls were quiet as church mice high on sugar and caffeine! They were just under my hearing level and so I was able to ignore them. Of course, my snoring may have covered up their giggling but it worked either way!
Saturday morning the girls let me sleep in and didn't ask me to make breakfast. They are so smart! It was a blissful morning of waking up when I was ready to and not having anything to do. Let me tell you, I milked it for everything I could.
I love when the girls have sleep overs. I love their friends. I won't quit letting them but I may make sure that I am caught up on my sleep first! lol
Not that I mind them giggling, but if I have just fallen asleep it tends to make me cranky to be woken up abruptly by chortling girls.
Anyway...
Friday night I took the oldest two to a movie. It was fun until the movie started. It was a worthless movie that will haunt me for quite some time to come. Jack and Jill with Adam Sandler is one to avoid. After the movie we came back home and I crawled into bed. My bones were crying out to be horizontal.
The girls, however, don't suffer from old bones-itis, and stayed up for longer than I care to think about. Now, truth be told I regularly stay up later than they did on this night but when it is my choice I am much happier about it. They were in their bedrooms by 12:30 but they were far from quiet.
At 12:36 I trudged down the littered hallway trying to avoid breaking my toes on the multiple items haphazardly discarded without a second thought. These same items will be treasured possessions when I late pick them up to take them to Goodwill. It's a priceless tradition that will live on in our household for years to come.
After I have successfully navigated the priceless treasures I knock on the first door. Music is blaring from the room as the door opens. Bright eyed girls open the door, smiling at me. I so did not need to see them smiling. It did nothing for my disposition.
Said girls lovingly gazed at me and said, "Yes, Mommy?" Can I be frustrated at that?
Yup.
I calmly asked them to be quieter and walked to the next room.
I was hopeful that the next set of girls would respond in the same way. The knock on the door was still full of hope. That hope was dashed when the door opened a little too quickly. Both girls in that room were wide-eyed and smiling mischievously. "Yes?" Was what I was met with.
hmmm...
"Please be quite." It's all I could get out without being snarky. Hopefully it would be enough.
I fell asleep quickly and was in that magical black place that is peaceful and sweet. When suddenly I was brought back to reality with a slap in the face. No, not literally. But the giggling and loud talking was just as effective. I staid under the warm blankets for a few more minutes until I heard them again.
They were being so loud. (probably not really but at 1am it seemed like they were screaming) I marched back down the hallway somehow avoiding the tripping hazards and pounded on the door. (knocked quietly not to wake up everyone else but in my heart I was pounding) The music turned off at the sound of my knock but no one answered the door.
More knocking.
Quiet footsteps were heard around the stage whispers.
The door slowly creaked open and a sweet and still too awake face peered out. Her bright eyes really irritated me. I know it wasn't rational but I was extremely and freaky upset with them at that moment. I somehow managed to growl out, "Please be quiet." It wasn't said with the most loving thoughts or feelings but at least I didn't scream at them, right?
"We were trying to be quiet." She squeaked out. She was still smiling and I had the urge to pull her hair or punch her in the face. Did I mention that I was freaky tired?
"T.r.y.h.a.r.d.e.r." I am pretty sure that my lips never moved because my jaw was clenched shut. Then I think I made some idle threats about taking the friends home, spun around on my heel, and stomped back to my room. (I so would not have gotten out at 1am to take a kid home unless they were puking their guts out. I'm just sayin'.) I'm not going to say that I slammed my door; I'll let you figure that one out.
I blissfully fell back asleep while the girls were quiet as church mice high on sugar and caffeine! They were just under my hearing level and so I was able to ignore them. Of course, my snoring may have covered up their giggling but it worked either way!
Saturday morning the girls let me sleep in and didn't ask me to make breakfast. They are so smart! It was a blissful morning of waking up when I was ready to and not having anything to do. Let me tell you, I milked it for everything I could.
I love when the girls have sleep overs. I love their friends. I won't quit letting them but I may make sure that I am caught up on my sleep first! lol
Friday, January 27, 2012
School? hmm...
Ugh. With our performances on two days, we haven't been doing much school this week. It is frustrating when I see the blank spots in my planner. I am trying to deal with it.
Really I am.
I am just starting to freak out a little that it is the end of January and we are not where we "should" be. BUT, I am positive that our kids learned so much by performing those two days so I will just grin and bear it.
We are going to do as much school as we can today and tomorrow then just pick up next week where we left off.
We will be okay. School will get done.
*breathe* *relax* *enjoy the kids while I have them*
Really I am.
I am just starting to freak out a little that it is the end of January and we are not where we "should" be. BUT, I am positive that our kids learned so much by performing those two days so I will just grin and bear it.
We are going to do as much school as we can today and tomorrow then just pick up next week where we left off.
We will be okay. School will get done.
*breathe* *relax* *enjoy the kids while I have them*
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Drama, Drama, Drama
But not the bad kind!
Our homeschool group is putting on a play. We had auditions in October and have been practicing ever since. We are doing The Surprising Story of the Three Little Pigs.
Our kids are awesome! They have been working hard and are just about ready to show the world.
This Tuesday and Wednesday we had the opportunity to perform a little piece of our play for the pre-school that meets at the church.
Our kids really nailed it. Oh, they weren't perfect but they were awesome none-the-less. They were so nervous but handled it well.
The pre-school kids loved it and asked us to come back next year if we do another show!
I can't wait for our performances. We have our costumes, our sets, our props, and our make-up; we are just waiting on the day!
What a blessing to have this group of kids to work with doing what I love. Did I mention that we have the best group of kids around? ;-)
Pics will be coming soon.
Our homeschool group is putting on a play. We had auditions in October and have been practicing ever since. We are doing The Surprising Story of the Three Little Pigs.
Our kids are awesome! They have been working hard and are just about ready to show the world.
This Tuesday and Wednesday we had the opportunity to perform a little piece of our play for the pre-school that meets at the church.
Our kids really nailed it. Oh, they weren't perfect but they were awesome none-the-less. They were so nervous but handled it well.
The pre-school kids loved it and asked us to come back next year if we do another show!
I can't wait for our performances. We have our costumes, our sets, our props, and our make-up; we are just waiting on the day!
What a blessing to have this group of kids to work with doing what I love. Did I mention that we have the best group of kids around? ;-)
Pics will be coming soon.
Monday, January 23, 2012
We Choose Virtues Reviews
I hate it when I find a great product too late. You know the ones that you find when your kids are older but they could have helped you out so much when they were younger?
Yeah, those.
I have found just such a product. We Choose Virtues is a great company with a product that brings Virtue studies to a whole new level.
We Choose Virtues was created by Heather McMillan, my wife of 20 years, out of her love for children and her desire to see them reach their personal potential. As a preschool teacher and a children’s pastor, it concerned her how often she came across children whose lack of self control, honesty and perseverance was almost debilitating. How could they succeed in life without the skills that come from good character?
To read more about We Choose Virtues, visit this page on their website. There is also a great Q & A page that will answer your questions. To find out how it works go here and read all about it. There is so much great information on their website that I highly recommend you visit it and take your time to look around.
This is a wonderful approach to teaching virtues that your kids will love. I was able to review the Virtue Clues Cards and fell in love with them. These cards sell for $5.99. "They are full color and feature The Virtue Kids, their names, the
Virtue catchphrase and antonyms, and on the back a "You can do it"
challenge!" These are such a handy size that I found I could carry them around the house with us to reference when we needed to.
I also received the Teachers Handbook-a download for $4.99- and the coloring Book-a download for $3- to review. Both are great tools to have, one for the parent and the other to reinforce each virtue.
I have loved having these Virtue Clues Cards handy and I love that the catchphrases are so positive. They take the stance of "I am..." instead of "I will not...". It is a distinction that marks this program as a step up above the rest. I also love the bright colors and absolutely adorable illustrations.
I really do wish that I could have had these when my older girls were young but we are going to use them now anyway! I decided to use them a little differently than the Handbook says but I found it to be effective for my older girls. Each day I would pray over the cards and then I would have the girls pick a card and that would be the Virtue they were to work on for the day. Each and every time The Lord gave them the card they really needed!! It was great and we will keep doing it.
We Choose Virtues have kits available for the Family, Homeschool, Kids Church/Sunday School, Faith-Based Schools, Community Schools, and Mentoring. They have something for just about everyone!
If you want a Virtue Study, then I highly recommend this one. You won't be disappointed with We Choose Virtues.
While you are there don't miss their Clearance page. There are some terrific deals going on you just might want to take advantage of!!
**I was given a copy of these items in exchange for my honest review.
Yeah, those.
I have found just such a product. We Choose Virtues is a great company with a product that brings Virtue studies to a whole new level.
We Choose Virtues was created by Heather McMillan, my wife of 20 years, out of her love for children and her desire to see them reach their personal potential. As a preschool teacher and a children’s pastor, it concerned her how often she came across children whose lack of self control, honesty and perseverance was almost debilitating. How could they succeed in life without the skills that come from good character?
To read more about We Choose Virtues, visit this page on their website. There is also a great Q & A page that will answer your questions. To find out how it works go here and read all about it. There is so much great information on their website that I highly recommend you visit it and take your time to look around.
This is a wonderful approach to teaching virtues that your kids will love. I was able to review the Virtue Clues Cards and fell in love with them. These cards sell for $5.99. "They are full color and feature The Virtue Kids, their names, the
Virtue catchphrase and antonyms, and on the back a "You can do it"
challenge!" These are such a handy size that I found I could carry them around the house with us to reference when we needed to.I also received the Teachers Handbook-a download for $4.99- and the coloring Book-a download for $3- to review. Both are great tools to have, one for the parent and the other to reinforce each virtue.
I have loved having these Virtue Clues Cards handy and I love that the catchphrases are so positive. They take the stance of "I am..." instead of "I will not...". It is a distinction that marks this program as a step up above the rest. I also love the bright colors and absolutely adorable illustrations.
I really do wish that I could have had these when my older girls were young but we are going to use them now anyway! I decided to use them a little differently than the Handbook says but I found it to be effective for my older girls. Each day I would pray over the cards and then I would have the girls pick a card and that would be the Virtue they were to work on for the day. Each and every time The Lord gave them the card they really needed!! It was great and we will keep doing it.
We Choose Virtues have kits available for the Family, Homeschool, Kids Church/Sunday School, Faith-Based Schools, Community Schools, and Mentoring. They have something for just about everyone!
If you want a Virtue Study, then I highly recommend this one. You won't be disappointed with We Choose Virtues.
While you are there don't miss their Clearance page. There are some terrific deals going on you just might want to take advantage of!!
**I was given a copy of these items in exchange for my honest review.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Movie Night
The Terrell Family Movie Night Revolution was an amazing success!! We all had a blast and plan on doing it again.
Next time we might do a Carnival Night.
Still thinking and planning.
For now, we are reveling in our shared love of movies. ;-)
Next time we might do a Carnival Night.
Still thinking and planning.
For now, we are reveling in our shared love of movies. ;-)
Friday, January 20, 2012
Terrell Family Movie Night Revolution
Okay, so The Terrell Family Movie Night Revolution is almost upon us. I have been preparing all week printing off tickets, gathering supplies, and rewarding behavior. It has been pretty great to see the girls excited about getting tickets and preparing for this night.
I am so crazy excited!!
Here are pictures of our concessions stand...
And here is our price list...
We have our movies picked out and I will print the signs and times just before the movies are to start.
I'll take pictures of how we rearrange our living room.
and I'll let you know how it goes...
**I forgot to say what movies we were watching. We are watching Field of Vision and Courageous!
I am so crazy excited!!
Here are pictures of our concessions stand...
And here is our price list...
We have our movies picked out and I will print the signs and times just before the movies are to start.
I'll take pictures of how we rearrange our living room.
and I'll let you know how it goes...
**I forgot to say what movies we were watching. We are watching Field of Vision and Courageous!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
It's lookin' good
I posted about winning Debra Bell's The Ultimate Homeschool Planner a few weeks ago and how much I thought I was going to like it.
I hadn't planned on using it this year because I already had one that I liked.
After talking with Steven and looking through Debra's planner I decided to chuck the old one and start using this one.
I am still loving it!
I am going to do a post with pictures of my filled in planner soon but for now we are using it to keep us on track and it has worked swimmingly. We have done a full weeks worth of school and documented it in my handy-dandy new planner. ;-)
I hadn't planned on using it this year because I already had one that I liked.
After talking with Steven and looking through Debra's planner I decided to chuck the old one and start using this one.
I am still loving it!
I am going to do a post with pictures of my filled in planner soon but for now we are using it to keep us on track and it has worked swimmingly. We have done a full weeks worth of school and documented it in my handy-dandy new planner. ;-)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Workboxes...Playboxes
I finally have some pictures of our Workboxes/Playboxes for Bug. We have been using them this week and they are a big hit! She loves the new toys and is learning to pick them up, put them away, and only have one tub at a time.
It's been a big week! lol
So, I ordered some educational toys from Timberdoodle. I can not say enough how much I love Timberdoodle. Yes, I am a reviewer for them but I honestly love their products. They are quality made toys that foster imagination. Can it get any better? I don't think so.
Anyway, on to the boxes.
As I said in the earlier post, I moved a bookshelf out to the family room over by our table. It is pretty empty at the moment and is a perfect spot for Bugs boxes. I had to secure it so that it wouldn't fall over**always secure bookshelves when littles are going to use them** and then we could start filling it.
The lower two shelves are just perfect for Bugs boxes. She can get to all of them and put them all away. Sweet!
Doesn't her shelf look so cool? It is all fresh and ready to use. I really do love to organize and get shiny new things. roflol
We might like these toys a little more than Bug does...
The last picture shows the Snug Bugs-Bug Chain
ImagiPLAY Buddy Blocks
and a wooden shoe for lacing I picked up at a local store.
We also have a tub for coloring books, pages, and crayons. This is a favorite as well. :-)
Oh yeah, don't forget the books. There are only a few on the shelf because she pulls them off constantly to read.
I am pretty sure we will be adding things to this shelf for Bug and maybe switch them out so they don't get boring. ;-)
**I bought with my own money the items from Timberdoodle. This is not a review I just really, really love Timberdoodle's products. ;-)
It's been a big week! lol
So, I ordered some educational toys from Timberdoodle. I can not say enough how much I love Timberdoodle. Yes, I am a reviewer for them but I honestly love their products. They are quality made toys that foster imagination. Can it get any better? I don't think so.
Anyway, on to the boxes.
As I said in the earlier post, I moved a bookshelf out to the family room over by our table. It is pretty empty at the moment and is a perfect spot for Bugs boxes. I had to secure it so that it wouldn't fall over**always secure bookshelves when littles are going to use them** and then we could start filling it.
 |
| The new bookshelf. |
The lower two shelves are just perfect for Bugs boxes. She can get to all of them and put them all away. Sweet!
 | |
| A close-up of her shelves. |
 |
| I got these at Wal-Mart! |
We might like these toys a little more than Bug does...
 |
| This is a puzzle from Timberdoodle...LOVE IT!! |
 | ||
| This picture isn't great but she loves this box. |
ImagiPLAY Buddy Blocks
and a wooden shoe for lacing I picked up at a local store.
We also have a tub for coloring books, pages, and crayons. This is a favorite as well. :-)
Oh yeah, don't forget the books. There are only a few on the shelf because she pulls them off constantly to read.
I am pretty sure we will be adding things to this shelf for Bug and maybe switch them out so they don't get boring. ;-)
**I bought with my own money the items from Timberdoodle. This is not a review I just really, really love Timberdoodle's products. ;-)
Monday, January 16, 2012
A Brilliant Idea
In our family we have long kept Friday night open as a Family Night. We don't schedule anything on that night if we can help it. It has been a wonderful way to end our week.
But to be perfectly honest it has gotten a little boring. We let it get stale and stagnant. Oh we still did it but we weren't really looking forward to it anymore. It was just something we did.
But.no.longer.
Steven and I had an idea that is going to revolutionize our Family Nights from now on. We have been Super excited about it and can not wait for it to happen this Friday.
Want to know what we came up with?
Are you sure?
Well...we love movies here. No, I mean we seriously love them. Over the years we have had movie marathons and will watch movies hundreds of times and they never get old. See? We love movies!
Anyway, we came up with the idea to have a Family Movie Night complete with movie tickets, a concessions stand, and money to get in.
Intrigued?
We decided to charge money-$5-to get in and to buy candy, soda, and popcorn so we had to have a way for the girls to earn money. The cost of each item was set and then we decided how they would earn it. Each day they would get the chance to earn more money. School work that is done at the end of the day would get them $3, completed chores gets $2, etc. They can not bring attention to what they are doing to get tickets but they can mention what their sisters are doing so the sister gets tickets.
Sound like bribery? Yeah, it does to me too and I'm okay with that! We are rewarding them for the things they are doing and inspiring them to do more to earn money. Sounds good to me!!
So, for our Family Movie Night we are having a feature film and possibly a double header for the admission price of $5. Then the concessions stand will be available after they have paid for a ticket. We will have several kinds of candy, chocolate, popcorn, chex mix(for those that don't like popcorn!), nachos, and soda. Each for prices ranging from $2 -$4. Nope, it isn't cheap but neither is the real theater! lol
We are going to set up some extra chairs and maybe move the t.v. to make it more theater-like. The girls are so excited and can't wait to get to Friday!!
But to be perfectly honest it has gotten a little boring. We let it get stale and stagnant. Oh we still did it but we weren't really looking forward to it anymore. It was just something we did.
But.no.longer.
Steven and I had an idea that is going to revolutionize our Family Nights from now on. We have been Super excited about it and can not wait for it to happen this Friday.
Want to know what we came up with?
Are you sure?
Well...we love movies here. No, I mean we seriously love them. Over the years we have had movie marathons and will watch movies hundreds of times and they never get old. See? We love movies!
Anyway, we came up with the idea to have a Family Movie Night complete with movie tickets, a concessions stand, and money to get in.
Intrigued?
We decided to charge money-$5-to get in and to buy candy, soda, and popcorn so we had to have a way for the girls to earn money. The cost of each item was set and then we decided how they would earn it. Each day they would get the chance to earn more money. School work that is done at the end of the day would get them $3, completed chores gets $2, etc. They can not bring attention to what they are doing to get tickets but they can mention what their sisters are doing so the sister gets tickets.
Sound like bribery? Yeah, it does to me too and I'm okay with that! We are rewarding them for the things they are doing and inspiring them to do more to earn money. Sounds good to me!!
So, for our Family Movie Night we are having a feature film and possibly a double header for the admission price of $5. Then the concessions stand will be available after they have paid for a ticket. We will have several kinds of candy, chocolate, popcorn, chex mix(for those that don't like popcorn!), nachos, and soda. Each for prices ranging from $2 -$4. Nope, it isn't cheap but neither is the real theater! lol
We are going to set up some extra chairs and maybe move the t.v. to make it more theater-like. The girls are so excited and can't wait to get to Friday!!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Reposting this bc I needed it
I wrote this almost two years ago but it is still ringing true in my heart today. I need to read this post often. Maybe I will print it out and keep it near.
I hope it blesses someone else.
Follow the link to see what I wrote. ;-)
It can be done and it is worth it.
I hope it blesses someone else.
Follow the link to see what I wrote. ;-)
It can be done and it is worth it.
This is what I want them to remember
I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that homeschooling has been all sunshine and roses lately. It hasn't been. In fact this season has been one of the hardest I can remember. We have struggled to focus, get things done, and to just be nice to one another.
I know part of that is getting used to Bug being here. You would think that we would be in a groove by now and we kind of are. But as she gets older and gains new skills, our adjustment has to change as well. She is a treasure and we love her so much but none of us remembered what it was like having a toddler under foot while doing school! lol
So, we are trying new things.
I have been ignoring the growing movement of Workboxes for a while now because my girls don't want or need them. And...I don't have the time or inclination to put them together. Mrs. Super-Duper Organized I am not.
BUT...Bug needs to learn to play on her own and we need her to be occupied while we are doing school. So, bring on the Workboxes!
I started paying attention to the blogs that are using this system and got excited. This was totally doable. I knew that we could come up with some things that Bug would love and would help teach her the skills she needs for her age. We could even get involved in making the things we need. Bonus school time there!!
To see some fabulous workboxes in action head over to Confessions of a Homeschooler and check them out!
Okay, here we go.
Plastic tubs were bought, toys were sorted, some new ones were bought, a book shelf was moved, and a plan was formed.
I told the girls the rules for these boxes and that we were going to help Bug learn to play by herself as well as teach her new things. They were completely on board.
We only have a few boxes filled but Bug is already loving them. She is learning that only one box at a time is down and before another comes down the toys have to be picked up and put away. The hard thing for her is that she wants to play with these toys all the time and they are only for when we are doing school. I know she will get used to it and I look forward to seeing her learn new things.
Anyway...
All that to say that tension and stress have been a little high around here lately. So this afternoon after Bug went with Grandma the girls still had school to do.
Did we get it done?
Yup.
But not before there were tears.. Tears from laughing so hard our stomachs hurt. For over an hour we giggled, snorted, teased, and enjoyed each other. It was a fabulous afternoon and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have missed this and I know the girls have too. Afternoons like this are what I want them to remember.
I am so thankful that the Lord slowed me down and let me relax enough to share this precious afternoon with my sweet girls. What a gift.
**I will try to get some pics of our workboxes soon!
I know part of that is getting used to Bug being here. You would think that we would be in a groove by now and we kind of are. But as she gets older and gains new skills, our adjustment has to change as well. She is a treasure and we love her so much but none of us remembered what it was like having a toddler under foot while doing school! lol
So, we are trying new things.
I have been ignoring the growing movement of Workboxes for a while now because my girls don't want or need them. And...I don't have the time or inclination to put them together. Mrs. Super-Duper Organized I am not.
BUT...Bug needs to learn to play on her own and we need her to be occupied while we are doing school. So, bring on the Workboxes!
I started paying attention to the blogs that are using this system and got excited. This was totally doable. I knew that we could come up with some things that Bug would love and would help teach her the skills she needs for her age. We could even get involved in making the things we need. Bonus school time there!!
To see some fabulous workboxes in action head over to Confessions of a Homeschooler and check them out!
Okay, here we go.
Plastic tubs were bought, toys were sorted, some new ones were bought, a book shelf was moved, and a plan was formed.
I told the girls the rules for these boxes and that we were going to help Bug learn to play by herself as well as teach her new things. They were completely on board.
We only have a few boxes filled but Bug is already loving them. She is learning that only one box at a time is down and before another comes down the toys have to be picked up and put away. The hard thing for her is that she wants to play with these toys all the time and they are only for when we are doing school. I know she will get used to it and I look forward to seeing her learn new things.
Anyway...
All that to say that tension and stress have been a little high around here lately. So this afternoon after Bug went with Grandma the girls still had school to do.
Did we get it done?
Yup.
But not before there were tears.. Tears from laughing so hard our stomachs hurt. For over an hour we giggled, snorted, teased, and enjoyed each other. It was a fabulous afternoon and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have missed this and I know the girls have too. Afternoons like this are what I want them to remember.
I am so thankful that the Lord slowed me down and let me relax enough to share this precious afternoon with my sweet girls. What a gift.
**I will try to get some pics of our workboxes soon!
Maestro Classics Review
I love classical music but my kids not so much. Oh they will listen to it and some of the more "up beat" stuff they will even enjoy but on the whole they just tolerate it.
However, I have found something that satisfies both of us.
Maestro Classics.
Maestro Classics has this simple mission statement:
Our Mission: To cultivate a love of music through education and joyful performances.
Sound simple? Well, it is really. But what Maestro Classics is able to do goes beyond simple and dives straight into magical. If you want to introduce your children to classical music and the art of listening you don't have to worry anymore. Maestro Classics is your answer.
The CD we were privileged to review was The Story of Swan Lake. On this CD we heard several renditions of the classic piece and found out more about Tchaikovsky’s life and most famous ballet score. We enjoyed listening to everything on the CD but perhaps the favorite was Speed Metal Swan. If you are even just a little curious, head over to this page and take a listen!
We have been keeping this CD in the car and listening to it while we drive around. It is a great conversation starter as well as sparking the imagination to try and "see" what is happening in the music.
Maestro Classics offers quite a few CDs, just check them all out here. The Story of Swan Lake sells for $16.98 for the CD and $9.98 for the Download.
While your looking around Maestro Classics website don't forget to check out these links: Music & Life, Kids Club, Educational Materials, and the About Us page.
**I was given a copy of The Story of Swan Lake in exchange for my honest review.
However, I have found something that satisfies both of us.
Maestro Classics.
Maestro Classics has this simple mission statement:
Our Mission: To cultivate a love of music through education and joyful performances.
Sound simple? Well, it is really. But what Maestro Classics is able to do goes beyond simple and dives straight into magical. If you want to introduce your children to classical music and the art of listening you don't have to worry anymore. Maestro Classics is your answer.
The CD we were privileged to review was The Story of Swan Lake. On this CD we heard several renditions of the classic piece and found out more about Tchaikovsky’s life and most famous ballet score. We enjoyed listening to everything on the CD but perhaps the favorite was Speed Metal Swan. If you are even just a little curious, head over to this page and take a listen!
We have been keeping this CD in the car and listening to it while we drive around. It is a great conversation starter as well as sparking the imagination to try and "see" what is happening in the music.
Maestro Classics offers quite a few CDs, just check them all out here. The Story of Swan Lake sells for $16.98 for the CD and $9.98 for the Download.
While your looking around Maestro Classics website don't forget to check out these links: Music & Life, Kids Club, Educational Materials, and the About Us page.
**I was given a copy of The Story of Swan Lake in exchange for my honest review.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Z-Guide to the Movies Review
Once again I was blessed to receive a Z-Guide to the Movies from Zeezok Publishing. What you say? You have never heard of a Z-Guide? Well, let me tell you all about them!
If
your student enjoys watching movies, we just made it easy for you to
incorporate them into your curriculum. We have dozens of guides— each of
them falling within a specific time in history. All of the guides
contain ten educational activities that build upon the movie. The guides
are movie specific. We tell you exactly which movie we used, and almost
all are available thru Netflix. Most you can probably get through your
local library. So you don’t even need to buy the movie to use our
guides!
Check out their information page if you have more questions.
Each Z-Guide starts out with a topic overview and then advances on to questions about the movie, activities centered around the historical period of the movie, hands-on activities, world-view activities and more. Z-Guides are a great way to get your students to critically think about the movies they watch. Movies have agendas and if you can teach your student to recognize the tactics used in movie making then they can be less easily influenced by them.
What better way to watch a movie then as a family? How about having activities and discussions during and afterward? We spread the Z-Guide out over two weeks but the recommendation is to complete it in a week. I found it completely adaptable to our needs and would use it spread out again.
If you want to see a sample of what a Z-Guide has in it, head over here and check it out. You will be very impressed.
For our Z-Guide we received My Side of the Mountain. I remember Mrs. Finley reading this book to us in grade school and it stuck with me all these years. So, when I saw that this was an option to show my kids I jumped on it! I couldn't wait to share this movie with my girls.
While I was disappointed with the movie, I was quite happy with the Z-Guide.
It's funny the things you don't remember from childhood and I didn't remember the world-view of this movie. I wouldn't keep my girls from watching it but it was nice to have the Z-Guide to ask the questions and get them to thinking about why the movie/book it was written the way that it was.
If you like to incorporate movies into your schooling, then these would make a wonderful addition to your curriculum.
Zeezok sells the Z-Guides for $12.99 and they range in ages from Elementary ages up through High School. Zeezok also sells the movies the Z-Guides are based on for varying prices. Check their website to see a full listing of Z-Guides and movies.
**I was given a copy of the Z-Guide My Side of the Mountain in exchange for my honest review.
What is a Z-Guide?
If
your student enjoys watching movies, we just made it easy for you to
incorporate them into your curriculum. We have dozens of guides— each of
them falling within a specific time in history. All of the guides
contain ten educational activities that build upon the movie. The guides
are movie specific. We tell you exactly which movie we used, and almost
all are available thru Netflix. Most you can probably get through your
local library. So you don’t even need to buy the movie to use our
guides!Check out their information page if you have more questions.
Each Z-Guide starts out with a topic overview and then advances on to questions about the movie, activities centered around the historical period of the movie, hands-on activities, world-view activities and more. Z-Guides are a great way to get your students to critically think about the movies they watch. Movies have agendas and if you can teach your student to recognize the tactics used in movie making then they can be less easily influenced by them.
What better way to watch a movie then as a family? How about having activities and discussions during and afterward? We spread the Z-Guide out over two weeks but the recommendation is to complete it in a week. I found it completely adaptable to our needs and would use it spread out again.
If you want to see a sample of what a Z-Guide has in it, head over here and check it out. You will be very impressed.
For our Z-Guide we received My Side of the Mountain. I remember Mrs. Finley reading this book to us in grade school and it stuck with me all these years. So, when I saw that this was an option to show my kids I jumped on it! I couldn't wait to share this movie with my girls.
While I was disappointed with the movie, I was quite happy with the Z-Guide.
It's funny the things you don't remember from childhood and I didn't remember the world-view of this movie. I wouldn't keep my girls from watching it but it was nice to have the Z-Guide to ask the questions and get them to thinking about why the movie/book it was written the way that it was.
If you like to incorporate movies into your schooling, then these would make a wonderful addition to your curriculum.
Zeezok sells the Z-Guides for $12.99 and they range in ages from Elementary ages up through High School. Zeezok also sells the movies the Z-Guides are based on for varying prices. Check their website to see a full listing of Z-Guides and movies.
**I was given a copy of the Z-Guide My Side of the Mountain in exchange for my honest review.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Who doesn't want another one?
Planner,that is.
I love planners. Almost as much as I love Sharpies and pens. Not quite, but almost. So, when I hear about a different or new planner I simply must check it out. Although I have to say that I don't care for digital planners. I don't want to have to print everything off. Now, if a digital planner could be an app or something that would be used in my phone or ipad...I might just have to check it out! lol
Anyway...I have a planner that I use currently and really really like it. BUT, I won a blog contest on the Apologia facebook party page. I was thrilled of course! I couldn't wait to get this shiny new planner in the mail.
I waited and waited...
Then finally it came! We were on our way out the door for the entire afternoon so I wouldn't be able to look at it until the evening. Can you say torture? ugh It was so hard to focus on play practice when I knew there was a shiny new and wonderful planner sitting in my box waiting for me.
Somehow I managed to concentrate and made it through play practice and home before snatching it up to look through it.
Can you say, "I'm in love?" Because I am. I may even like it more than the one I'm using right now. hmmm...I'll have to wait and see for sure.
I am not giving a full review right now since I just received it. But I guess I should tell you what the planner is!
It is The Ultimate Homeschool Planner by Debra Bell.
Suffice it to say that I will be looking at this much more intently in the next few weeks. I will probably be talking about this planner a bunch. Did you know that the calendars do not have dates on them? That way you can buy the planner at any time during the year and it will work right away. No waiting for the right time of year to start using your planner! Gotta love that. ;-)
I am also loving How to Use section. It's great to get a planner with all kinds of cool pages in it but it's even better when thy give you suggestions, ideas, and ways to use them!
Oh, oh, oh and another way too cool thing...Debra Bell signed my planner!! I will never be able to get rid of it now! heehee
I am really going to love getting to know this new planner! Stay tuned for a more in-depth review in the next few weeks.
I love planners. Almost as much as I love Sharpies and pens. Not quite, but almost. So, when I hear about a different or new planner I simply must check it out. Although I have to say that I don't care for digital planners. I don't want to have to print everything off. Now, if a digital planner could be an app or something that would be used in my phone or ipad...I might just have to check it out! lol
Anyway...I have a planner that I use currently and really really like it. BUT, I won a blog contest on the Apologia facebook party page. I was thrilled of course! I couldn't wait to get this shiny new planner in the mail.
I waited and waited...
Then finally it came! We were on our way out the door for the entire afternoon so I wouldn't be able to look at it until the evening. Can you say torture? ugh It was so hard to focus on play practice when I knew there was a shiny new and wonderful planner sitting in my box waiting for me.
Somehow I managed to concentrate and made it through play practice and home before snatching it up to look through it.
Can you say, "I'm in love?" Because I am. I may even like it more than the one I'm using right now. hmmm...I'll have to wait and see for sure.
I am not giving a full review right now since I just received it. But I guess I should tell you what the planner is!
It is The Ultimate Homeschool Planner by Debra Bell.
Suffice it to say that I will be looking at this much more intently in the next few weeks. I will probably be talking about this planner a bunch. Did you know that the calendars do not have dates on them? That way you can buy the planner at any time during the year and it will work right away. No waiting for the right time of year to start using your planner! Gotta love that. ;-)
I am also loving How to Use section. It's great to get a planner with all kinds of cool pages in it but it's even better when thy give you suggestions, ideas, and ways to use them!
Oh, oh, oh and another way too cool thing...Debra Bell signed my planner!! I will never be able to get rid of it now! heehee
I am really going to love getting to know this new planner! Stay tuned for a more in-depth review in the next few weeks.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The BIG Fort by Toydle Review
Our family was blessed to receive a BIG Fort from Toylde. I am going to give you some information about the company and then I will tell you what we thought about The BIG Fort.
Toydle is the brain child of Robert Brownfield. Rob—president of Worry-Free Manufacturing in Boise, Idaho—has been making quality products for years. He is also the father of two fraternal twins, Ike and Molly. (Their pictures adorn our website.) Like all good fathers who refuse to (fully) grow-up, he loves toys, and he loves to give toys to his kids.
Problem is, as you’re fully aware, good toys are hard to find—real, high-quality, long-lasting toys.
Frankly, most toys are only slightly better than junk.
Awhile back Rob brought home a toy for his son. Within five minutes it had met its fate on the driveway concrete. Busted. Worthless. And only five minutes old! While stewing on this reality Rob thought, “This is dumb! I can build better stuff than this. I do build better stuff than this!”
And so The Toydle Dream was born.
Toydle Forts are made in the USA—in Boise, Idaho. Each tube is cut, each wood block is hand-shaped by an American worker. We believe that with a little American ingenuity we can make products better and more cost-effective than sending the work overseas. We believe that we can win jobs back for our workers and our economy. We practice it every day!
And we guarantee every Toydle product—we will replace any product or piece thereof that fails for any reason, even if your little critters leave a block out in the rain, or try to do pull-ups with a tube.
The quality of our products speak for themselves.
And yes, the quality does speak for itself. The website says, "We won't settle for making junky toys..." and let me tell you, I believe them. The quality of this fort is amazing. I love the sturdy wooden blocks that are used for the joints and the pvc pipe is heavy enough not to break easily but also light enough for kids to handle. Toydle also includes clamps so that you can put a roof on your fort! Head over to this page to see the specifications of the pvc and blocks. Yes, these pieces are sturdy but they are not for climbing on.
Watch this video to see a bit about it:
When we first opened our box, I was pleasantly surprised by the duffel bag the pieces were in. It is a sturdy bag that will surely last a very long time. Plus, you have somewhere to keep the pieces when you are not using the Fort. Bonus!!
The next thing I notices was that there no instructions. Aagghh!! Yes, I sent up a panicked scream. When I was done fretting, I asked some friends if they had received instructions only to find that their answer was on as well. A sweet friend gently told me, "That's kind of the point. Let your kids play and just see what they can come up with." Um, yeah I knew that.
Today we are so used to toys telling us how to play with them that I think we forget to be creative and just play. Our kids are pretty good at it if we let them.
So, we unpacked our fort, squealed with delight, and got to playing. The first night we had the Big Fort open, the kids made the biggest fort they could. They used every piece! It completely filled up the bedroom. That night they camped in the Fort and giggled all night. The next time they built their fort, they made a two room house. The next, a tower for a princess. Each time it has been different and each time they created it to fit their imaginative play.
I think besides the quality, the thing I like most about The Toydle Big Fort is that it allows my children to create a play space to fit their imaginations and that is different every time they play. What better way to foster their minds than to give them the tools for creative play?
Toydle offers two different forts. The Toydle Fort which sells for $149 and The BIG Toydle Fort that sells for $229. That may seem a little steep but let me tell you, these forts will last until your grandchildren are ready to play with them. Okay, maybe not but they will last a very long time!
To find out more about Toydle, the company, head on over to their website and look around. If you want to order a for your family and being the imagination adventure head over here.
**I received this product in exchange for my honest review.
Toydle is the brain child of Robert Brownfield. Rob—president of Worry-Free Manufacturing in Boise, Idaho—has been making quality products for years. He is also the father of two fraternal twins, Ike and Molly. (Their pictures adorn our website.) Like all good fathers who refuse to (fully) grow-up, he loves toys, and he loves to give toys to his kids.
Problem is, as you’re fully aware, good toys are hard to find—real, high-quality, long-lasting toys.
Frankly, most toys are only slightly better than junk.Awhile back Rob brought home a toy for his son. Within five minutes it had met its fate on the driveway concrete. Busted. Worthless. And only five minutes old! While stewing on this reality Rob thought, “This is dumb! I can build better stuff than this. I do build better stuff than this!”
And so The Toydle Dream was born.
Toydle Forts are made in the USA—in Boise, Idaho. Each tube is cut, each wood block is hand-shaped by an American worker. We believe that with a little American ingenuity we can make products better and more cost-effective than sending the work overseas. We believe that we can win jobs back for our workers and our economy. We practice it every day!
And we guarantee every Toydle product—we will replace any product or piece thereof that fails for any reason, even if your little critters leave a block out in the rain, or try to do pull-ups with a tube.
The quality of our products speak for themselves.
And yes, the quality does speak for itself. The website says, "We won't settle for making junky toys..." and let me tell you, I believe them. The quality of this fort is amazing. I love the sturdy wooden blocks that are used for the joints and the pvc pipe is heavy enough not to break easily but also light enough for kids to handle. Toydle also includes clamps so that you can put a roof on your fort! Head over to this page to see the specifications of the pvc and blocks. Yes, these pieces are sturdy but they are not for climbing on.
Watch this video to see a bit about it:
When we first opened our box, I was pleasantly surprised by the duffel bag the pieces were in. It is a sturdy bag that will surely last a very long time. Plus, you have somewhere to keep the pieces when you are not using the Fort. Bonus!!
The next thing I notices was that there no instructions. Aagghh!! Yes, I sent up a panicked scream. When I was done fretting, I asked some friends if they had received instructions only to find that their answer was on as well. A sweet friend gently told me, "That's kind of the point. Let your kids play and just see what they can come up with." Um, yeah I knew that.
Today we are so used to toys telling us how to play with them that I think we forget to be creative and just play. Our kids are pretty good at it if we let them.
So, we unpacked our fort, squealed with delight, and got to playing. The first night we had the Big Fort open, the kids made the biggest fort they could. They used every piece! It completely filled up the bedroom. That night they camped in the Fort and giggled all night. The next time they built their fort, they made a two room house. The next, a tower for a princess. Each time it has been different and each time they created it to fit their imaginative play.
I think besides the quality, the thing I like most about The Toydle Big Fort is that it allows my children to create a play space to fit their imaginations and that is different every time they play. What better way to foster their minds than to give them the tools for creative play?
Toydle offers two different forts. The Toydle Fort which sells for $149 and The BIG Toydle Fort that sells for $229. That may seem a little steep but let me tell you, these forts will last until your grandchildren are ready to play with them. Okay, maybe not but they will last a very long time!
To find out more about Toydle, the company, head on over to their website and look around. If you want to order a for your family and being the imagination adventure head over here.
**I received this product in exchange for my honest review.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Look What I am going to do next...
K5 Learning has an online reading and math program
for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I've been given a 6 week free
trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a
blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program.
Watch for my upcoming review...
Watch for my upcoming review...
Sad and Breaking News
If you have read my blog at all in the last year and a half you know I have been a proud member of The Old Schoolhouse Magazines Homeschool Crew. I have absolutely loved doing reviews with them and am so honored that I was chosen for that privilege.
Unfortunately, that time has come to an end. Changes are afoot and I can no longer remain there. I have tendered my resignation as of this morning and am no longer part of The Crew.
I will fulfill my obligation of finishing the reviews that are outstanding so beware, they will all probably hit at once!
Changes are hard no matter what but when they are handled badly it makes it even worse.
Unfortunately, that time has come to an end. Changes are afoot and I can no longer remain there. I have tendered my resignation as of this morning and am no longer part of The Crew.
I will fulfill my obligation of finishing the reviews that are outstanding so beware, they will all probably hit at once!
Changes are hard no matter what but when they are handled badly it makes it even worse.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Another rant...
I am feeling bruised and cranky so beware!
Why do we insist on making the Bible relevant? Why do we feel the need to change it to make it more or better for this generation? Are they really that much different than past generations or do we believe the Bible is different now? Not as good so we have to make it better for people to "get it." We can make the Bible so "relevant" that is no longer effective.
It is no secret that I have questioned the whole Seeker Friendly movement since it started. I believe it is wrong. One of those reasons being that Seeker Friendly churches have to change their churches to make it more enticing for the unsaved. They need to have the best and coolest that the world has to offer and bring it in to the church so that the world feels more comfortable there. Anybody else see a problem with that? If an unsaved person is comfortable in a church that is just like the world then why would they need to change? There would be no reason. Churches shouldn't be enticing people to their doors, it is the job of The Holy Spirit and no one elses. We can invite them but if God has not called them then they won't be ready to receive the Gospel no matter how relevant the church is. Church is for the believer to learn, grow, and be lifted up with other believers. How can that happen when the church caters to the unsaved?
Oh yeah, small groups. You know the ones that gather up other Christians to fellowship and do some Bible Study. Now, there is nothing wrong with small groups, I have been in them and loved them but not one of those people was my pastor who had been trained to preach the Word. Isn't that the job of my pastor, to lead the flock? I thought it was, that's why he has a doctorate right? The pastor is responsible for teaching the Word and when I am chastised for believing that, it rubs me wrong.
It also rubs me wrong when people I have known for quite some time say things like this, "Are you sure you just aren't trying to stir up trouble? You do like to cause controversy." I guess they didn't know me as well as I thought or I was stepping on their toes by having my own opinion. I haven't been quiet about how I feel about these issues. I have asked leadership and people whom I trust but have met with derision and patronization at every turn. Who needs that?
Not me. So we made a change and it has been the best decision we have made in a very long time. The move to change to a real Bible believing and Bible preaching church. not one that has themes and a show, just the Word. Yeah, that statement will make some mad and that's okay. They are entitled to their opinion just as much as I am. But since this is my blog and a place for me to talk about what is going on in my life, I guess you don't have to read it. There have been blogs that have things I don't agree with so I didn't read that post. Feel free to disagree but don't bother trying to change my mind others have tried and were not so nice about it and so now I am resistant to even listen. It's ugly but true.
Quite frankly if we hadn't found this new church, I might have been turned off of church altogether. Christians do tend to shoot their own.
Whew, I think I am done for now. I think I will take a nap and try to get over this sinus/cold thing.
Why do we insist on making the Bible relevant? Why do we feel the need to change it to make it more or better for this generation? Are they really that much different than past generations or do we believe the Bible is different now? Not as good so we have to make it better for people to "get it." We can make the Bible so "relevant" that is no longer effective.
It is no secret that I have questioned the whole Seeker Friendly movement since it started. I believe it is wrong. One of those reasons being that Seeker Friendly churches have to change their churches to make it more enticing for the unsaved. They need to have the best and coolest that the world has to offer and bring it in to the church so that the world feels more comfortable there. Anybody else see a problem with that? If an unsaved person is comfortable in a church that is just like the world then why would they need to change? There would be no reason. Churches shouldn't be enticing people to their doors, it is the job of The Holy Spirit and no one elses. We can invite them but if God has not called them then they won't be ready to receive the Gospel no matter how relevant the church is. Church is for the believer to learn, grow, and be lifted up with other believers. How can that happen when the church caters to the unsaved?
Oh yeah, small groups. You know the ones that gather up other Christians to fellowship and do some Bible Study. Now, there is nothing wrong with small groups, I have been in them and loved them but not one of those people was my pastor who had been trained to preach the Word. Isn't that the job of my pastor, to lead the flock? I thought it was, that's why he has a doctorate right? The pastor is responsible for teaching the Word and when I am chastised for believing that, it rubs me wrong.
It also rubs me wrong when people I have known for quite some time say things like this, "Are you sure you just aren't trying to stir up trouble? You do like to cause controversy." I guess they didn't know me as well as I thought or I was stepping on their toes by having my own opinion. I haven't been quiet about how I feel about these issues. I have asked leadership and people whom I trust but have met with derision and patronization at every turn. Who needs that?
Not me. So we made a change and it has been the best decision we have made in a very long time. The move to change to a real Bible believing and Bible preaching church. not one that has themes and a show, just the Word. Yeah, that statement will make some mad and that's okay. They are entitled to their opinion just as much as I am. But since this is my blog and a place for me to talk about what is going on in my life, I guess you don't have to read it. There have been blogs that have things I don't agree with so I didn't read that post. Feel free to disagree but don't bother trying to change my mind others have tried and were not so nice about it and so now I am resistant to even listen. It's ugly but true.
Quite frankly if we hadn't found this new church, I might have been turned off of church altogether. Christians do tend to shoot their own.
Whew, I think I am done for now. I think I will take a nap and try to get over this sinus/cold thing.
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