Happy Valley Homeschoolers

2012-01-22T06:45:00.005-07:00

I read an article the other day that really got me to think. I love it when articles or books to that. Here is the article

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=968&sid=18032640

One of the comments was actually what got me thinking. The person commented that there is no difference in a mom going to work than moms sending their kids to school each day, all day for someone else to care for. This actually perpetuated my decision to homeschool. I don't think this was the person's intent when he commented.

I think a bigger issue is more about "being there" than "staying there". There are a lot of "stay at home moms" who can't wait to send their kids off to school each day. The idea of having their kids home all the time is ridiculous to them.

Ezra Taft Benson counseled that moms should be at home with their kids. He also stated this “take time to always be at the crossroads when your children are either coming or going — when they leave and return from school, when they leave and return from dates, when they bring friends home. Be there at the crossroads whether your children are 6 or 16.” I think some of the crossroads are learning to read, figuring out their Algebra, ...well learning in general. Education is full of a lot of political agendas these days. I'd like them to learn my beliefs.

Here is a funny Youtube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJHt-m3VX6o

2011-10-28T07:05:00.004-06:00

As I talked with my husband as he got ready for work this morning, we discussed how awesome raising teenagers is. Our oldest has been struggling with dealing with "meanness" from her peers for a while now. I'm not sure I have the answer to the best way of helping her. But I found these great quotes today. I'm gonna share them with her later. You can enjoy them now.

Rejection. Adversity. Failure. Not exactly steppingstones to success. Or are they? We've all heard of celebrities who refused to let hardships stop them on the road to victory. Their stories tell of dozens of unsuccessful experiments, missed swings, endless rewrites, and humiliating performances. Although they have been the objects of the critical judgment of authority figures and peers, they never allowed harsh words to dull their aspirations and destroy their dreams.

The next time you receive negative criticism, dig through how lousy it feels and try to find something in some inspiring quotes for teenagers that can help you improve. Instead of feeling frustrated, stupid, sad, fearful or defeated, just read the below inspiring quotes for teenagers and mull about how much poorer this world would be if these people gave up believing in themselves and let the judgment of others keep them from accomplishing their goals.

Kindness and honesty can only be expected from the strong. - unknown

“Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others.”

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

-audrey hepburn

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

-albert einstein

Life is thickly sown with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to pass quickly through them. The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.”
- Voltaire

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. ~Judy Garland

Good Luck Shelby in your Junior Year of High School. We'll keep our prayers in your direction. We'll also say a few for ourselves as we try to direct you throw to Adulthood.

Are you ready for some Football?!

2011-10-21T06:58:00.011-06:00

We really enjoy football season around our house. Whether watching Ricky play or watching our favorite teams play on tv...it is a big part of Fall.

Ricky left Utah not wanting to play football anymore. We were so blessed to move here and find a wonderful team. Ricky learned that hard work does matter and it will get you where you want to go. He came here and was the 3rd string QB. The coaches practiced him with the other two boys. He looked good. But for the first few weeks his heart wasn't in it yet. He still was deflated from his past 2 years experience. But the coach saw he had potential. Rick kept on him and the coach continued to practice him. Then one day he let go of the past and embraced the experience he was having now. It was obvious he was a good QB. He was able to play in one quarter of the Jamboree as QB. Then the next 2 games he played a quarter. The 3rd game he played a whole half. By the 4th game he was the teams starting QB.

He was picked as the captain

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the season

I love these scriptures in teaching that hard work is worth it.

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7

Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23 (see Colossians 3:22- 4:1)

Ricky's football idle made this great quote

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard!" - Tim Tebow

Fall in Florida

2011-10-02T13:27:00.005-06:00

Fall comes later than we have been used to this year. We are having a great time experiencing different things, and some old things in a different way.

We made a trip to St. Augustine Beach and had an amazing time. I had forgotten just how much I love the beach. Rick sat with Shelby and the two of them hunted for sharks teeth. They didn't find any, but had a great father daughter experience both will treasure for a long time. Ricky and Taylor spent the entire time in the water riding the waves. They both want to take surfing lessons. The whole day left everyone with a big smile from the experience. We can't wait to make the trip again.

Taylor started Fall swimming season with Bolles swim school. It is a lot more rigorous than she has experienced before. She has been working hard. Swimming here is all outside. She might still need that parka after all. She swam her first meet last weekend and did amazing. She bettered all her times. Some by more than 10 seconds. But she feels she still has a long way to go. Many of the swimmers have Olympic dreams. Taylor doesn't have that big of a dream...she just wants to make the high school team next year. wink. We are so proud of her.

We went on our first field trip of the school year. We went on a nature walk in some swamp land. Definitely different than the nature walks we took in the Utah mountains. Ricky probably had the most fun. He was so enthralled will the huge grasshoppers, big spiders, swamp water, different plants, etc. Taylor was brave enough to pick up craw fish.

This weekend it got a little cooler here. It was in the 70's. I opened the doors and enjoyed the cool breezes. It made me think about the fall air in Utah. I did enjoy that crisp air and fall colors. Now we'll have new memories of trick or treating in an actual costume, not our coats.

Hi Ho Hi Ho ..It's off to school we go..

2011-08-16T06:06:00.003-06:00

We made it to Florida. It was a fun trip with Taylor across the country. For my first time driving that distance, I was a bit nervous. Thank goodness for modern technology. The GPS gets me everywhere.

I got here in time to register Shelby for classes at the local High School. We were careful in picking the location we rented in. Florida ranks their school A,B,C,D, and F. We were told to stay out of Duval county, and we did. We moved to an area where the schools are ranked A.

I was nervous going to the high school. I was ready for them to give us a hard time. But they were very nice. The counselor went out of his way to help Shelby out. She was able to register for
1. Drama I
2. childhood Development (college credit)
3. Trigonomitry/analytical Geometry
4. Honors Chemistry
5. AP English
6. Spanish I

Because I am unfamiliar with Florida and what is available here for homeschoolers I got Taylor and Ricky registered for Connections Academy. It is an online school here. K12 (curriculum we have used before) requires that you have attended Florida public school prior to enrollment. I was happy to find out Connections Academy doesn't have that requirement for 6-12 grade.

Ricky has already started football practice and is doing great. He really likes his coach. He is a really fair man. Yells at everyone equally. wink.

Shelby has also started cheerleading and is on a level 4 team. She landed her tuck on her own with out a spotter the other night. So proud.

Taylor will be swimming with Bowles swim team. They sent 4 swimmers to Shanghai this year to compete in the World Games. She starts today.

We will be going to our first Homeschool activity this Thursday. We look forward to meeting new friends.

Unpacking will take some time. We are going to a house that is 1/3 the size of our old house. Finding places to put things will be tricky.

We look forward to the new adventures.

Amazing Independence Day

2011-07-05T06:20:00.004-06:00

This 4th was bitter sweet for me. Rick, Shelby, and Ricky headed to my moms on the first leg of our move to Florida. Why the kids went is for another post. This post is about missing them terribly. Taylor and I were alone for the first time.

I love modern technology that allowed us to see pictures of each others activities, phone calls wherever were were, and TV to watch amazing fireworks, and our favorite movies. We are so blessed to be able to look for work wherever it might be, and to have the freedom to move. We can drive from state to state and enjoy this great country.

A friend of mine posted this amazing quote on her Facebook page and I have to share it!

" It will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." ........John Adams July 2, 1776

As a homeschooling mom I get so excited when I find the origination of things. My 15 year old daughter asked once who's idea was it to have fireworks on the 4th.

I am a bit emotional. We try very hard to let our children know just how blessed they are to live in such an amazing country. To have FREEDOM. Freedom is unique. It fits into our Heavenly Father's plan for us. To be able to choose who and what we become. To make choices, and live with the consequences.

Our great nation is doing that very thing right now. The country as a whole elected someone who promised to "take care of things for us". We wanted to give our freedoms away. Now we are paying the price for those choices.

God Bless America!

Way down south upon the Swannee River....

2011-06-21T08:22:00.002-06:00

Well, after 4 years our Utah experience is coming to a close. Rick accepted a job in Jacksonville, Florida and starts there July 5.

Some of the things we enjoyed while we were here..

1) Our homeschool community. I really loved the classes families shared. The opportunity for my kids to learn such a wide variety of lessons is priceless.

2) Skiing in January. We made great friends on the mountain and really enjoyed the experience and opportunity to learn to ski well.

3) Great swim team for Taylor. She went from learning the butterfly to earning a state qualifying time in the event.

4) The opportunity for Ricky to take lessons with college players in football and baseball.

5) Miss Utah Outstanding Teens

6) EFY

7) Going Salt Lake City and enjoying the Christmas Devotional given by the first Presidency of the Church.

8) Watching conference in our PJ's in front of the TV.

And of course family and friends that have been there

I have been busy looking into homeschool groups, high schools, swimming clubs, football leagues, etc. Two homeschool groups have already reached out to us. I'm excited to meet them. Two high schools in the area we will be in have A rankings. Shelby will be attending one of them and participating in their Dual enrollment program. Football is through Pop Warner leagues. We are happy to be doing that again. I still am looking into swimming clubs for Taylor. One of those things on the list to get done.

Stuck?

2011-05-04T08:04:00.004-06:00

Life is such a big puzzle. And as an adult I am seeing for the first time just how big the puzzle is. The puzzle can have tiny pieces or gigantic ones. It really depends on how wide your perspective is.

I am now looking at life through my teenagers eyes. To them everything is major. But to me I see it really isn't. All my 11 year old can see is today. It is very hard for him to see beyond. But I can see their talents and I can see opportunities and point them in the right direction.

I have also lived in one place for a very long time growing up. I remember as a kid feeling like I was "stuck" there. The only choice in life was what was there in that one community. The only people available to make friends with were those in my area. The only school choice was the local public school. The classes they offered were it. The teachers were it. As a convert to my church, the leaders were it. What they planned and taught were it. I hated being "stuck".

As a young adult I tried many things. I wanted to "get out". So I did. It was fascinating to me. I really enjoyed meeting new people. Finding out that there was more than one way to live and do things was amazing to me. I knew it. I loved the adventure.

When I had my kids I didn't want them to feel "stuck". When we faced our first obstacle, my first instinct was to say "no way". It was when my daughter was in kindergarten.

The school administration told me they knew what was best for my child. I refused to accept that. I knew what was best for her and was motivated to find another option for education. I prayed hard for a different opportunity. At first I thought I had to move. But not so. That is when I discovered homeschooling. My husband's attitude was "we can try it. If it doesn't work we can always send her back." Well it did work. And so many other doors and opportunities opened for her and us. Also that year she was faced with being "stuck" with the same friends. When we brought her home she met new people. Kids who had families that had values became her new friends. We met a great Methodist family who became our best friends. We had the opportunity to teach them what "Mormons" really believe. Their dad was a minister and had a different perspective about our church now. He stopped the anti-Mormon rhetoric around him. He even took an Easter CD we gave him and told us that our church WAS a christian church after all.

When we moved from Florida I thought it might be hard to homeschool somewhere else. But in Colorado we had more opportunities. They had a state homeschool program called K12. We signed up. It didn't require jumping through any hoops with the state. I felt we could do that until we found our footing and discovered "how it is done" there. Through K12 we found a local coop. We started going there. We made friends quickly and enjoyed the classes. We also were able to leave a good impression with the families there. Again we had missionary opportunities. Now conversions, but we were able to change the way other denominations looked at us "Mormons". We were able to convince them that we are Christians. We were able to stop locals from "hating" our religion and the people who are members. We showed them we aren't teaching false doctrine that is against the bible. On the contrary, we embrace those teachings and have another testament of Jesus Christ we teach from as well.

We also found out that homeschoolers could take classes from the local school. My kids loved going to classes twice a week for a few hours. Shelby was placed a grade ahead and did very well. Her confidence in education and her ability to learn really soared. Again my circle opened. Now I found out there was even more for my kids out there.

I was really nervous to be moving again. This time to Utah. But little did I know the opportunities that waiting for us there. So many coops. So many classes. So many places to visit on field trips. So many friends. No friends in our neighborhood. But we weren't "stuck" there. Our best friends were but a short drive away. Park days were where I learned about all the opportunities around us. Long story short..My oldest was able to be one of the first students to participate in an online high school that gave her the experience to become a great leader. My youngest kids have taken classes parents only dream about.

Now as my husband is looking for another job it is easy for me to look outside and feel confident in what lies ahead for us. I know to look for other opportunities. My family isn't "stuck".

Heavenly Father knew what we needed. I just needed to be patient and learn. I know that our family has great adventures ahead of us. We can do anything.

2011-04-06T09:50:00.003-06:00

Spring is finally here. Each year I look forward to Spring for many reasons. Warmer weather for sure. Sunny days are also on the list. But mostly because the school year is about over. We are finishing up the math assignment, going on fun fieldtrips, and signing up for fun summer activities. This year I added preparing for next year on the list.

I'm a bit nervous. Shelby will start taking college classes in May. And I think I might be sending Taylor to an accelerated 8th grade program where she will be taking Algebra and English classes at a local Charter High School 2-3 mornings a week.

It has gotten a little challenging to keep Ricky busy. School is so easy for him. He finishes with his days assignments early and is ready to "play". (He is 11 but still a little boy who wants to play). wink I am glad he will be old enough to participate in a lot of the TJed classes next year. He is ready.

I feel blessed to be able to spend so much time with my kids. It is such a joy to see them grow.

Raising Children - The great adventure!

2011-03-22T07:59:00.004-06:00

Lately, I have heard other families ask "how do we spend so much time with our kids". Okay maybe that shouldn't be a direct quote. However, I do get people saying "I don't know how you do it". I translate it as the first quote.

A few Sundays ago at church they were discussing working on the girls Personal Progress in the Young Women Program. It is goals they set and work on from age 12-18. Shelby finished at 14. Taylor has 1/2 done at nearly 13. The girls got comments like "you are home all day. You have more time to do it." Which is funny. I'm not sure what they think we are doing all day. Our curriculum isn't just Personal Progress and we call it good. The kids do school work just like most kids. We have grammar, reading, typing, scripture study, math, writing, science, history, Shakespeare, book club, piano, violin, art...and other activities the kids decide to participate in. We also have swim team every day, baseball practice, cheer practice, scouts and YW to go to as well.

What the key is we make it a priority. Anyone can choose a day or night dedicated to working on their goals. Just like you dedicate time for homework or practice. That is what my girls do. Every week some designated time is spent on working on their Personal Progress goals.

Sports take up a majority of our time at night and on weekends. I hear people say "you shouldn't spend all your time away from the house". I wonder if they are trying to justify what they are doing. They say this and yet send their children away to be taught by strangers most of the day. I find the statement a little hypocritical.

We are at every practice and game/competition. We are there cheering them on, giving them encouragement, giving advice, etc. It is great time spent. My kids have great confidence in themselves. I have seen my daughter want to tumble and set out to learn. In 5 months time she went from just knowing how to do a standing backhandspring, to bounding across the floor at competitions doing multiple backhandsprings. She also learned to do an aerial and almost has a tuck. My second daughter started this swim season not doing the butterfly in swimming. At the final meet this year she won a metal in that event. She worked so hard. We are so proud of both. At home, I wouldn't have been able to teach them these skills.

My son wanted to be a pitcher in baseball. He has a rocket for an arm. He just needed to learn control. This winter he had the great privilege to work with Coach Noels from BYU baseball on his control. He has become a wonderful pitcher. In his first game this season he struck out 5 batters in 2 and 1/2 innings.

We love watching our kids progress in all they do. It is such a joy to see them grow. I truly love going to swimming, baseball and cheer, watching these wonderful kids progress. I love teaching them. Even the bad days I cherish. We learned it and experienced it together. No one else can say they know my kid better than I do. And they are growing up knowing they have us in their corner cheering them on in all they do.

Sure it takes up a lot of time. But what else would I be doing?

Here are a few of my favorite scriptures regarding our children

Psalm - Chapter 127:3

3. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and
when he is old, he will not depart from it.

1 Timothy 3:4

One that ruleth well his own house, having his
children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not
how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church
of God?)

Don't be afraid to try. Parents know what is best for their children. Know that you have the strength. Heavenly Father will help you.

Raising boys to serve missions

2011-03-04T09:24:00.003-07:00

I heard a shocking number the other day. It pertained to the number of young men serving missions in our stake. 3 out of 60. Yeah I almost fell on the floor, too.

How can we help these young men become active again, is the question circulating throughout the church. I think we are forgetting to teach the primary kids that "holding the priesthood comes with the obligation for young men to carry the message of the Restoration to the world. "

Attitude is the key. Young people need to commit themselves early in life to the idea of a mission. That way, when they get older and begin to face some of the world’s temptations, those temptations will be less likely to penetrate their hearts or minds. They will resist the temptations because they are focused on becoming a servant of the Lord. It helps if they live in a gospel-sharing home. A missionary spirit is generated in a home where parents and children share the gospel with one another. I also recommend that youth study and follow the guidelines in For the Strength of Youth. Missionaries need to be morally clean and spiritually ready. If they live the principles in For the Strength of Youth, they will be spiritually prepared to be great missionaries. - M. Russell Ballard

I remember about 10 years ago the church leaders "Raised the bar" for the youth. Requirements to serve missions was also raised. It isn't enough to just attend church on Sunday and YM/YW during the week. These meetings are great and should be attended regularly, however, work on their own needs to be done. Living cleanly isn't a casual thing. It needs to be the most important. I really love Elder Ballards comment that "They need to avoid the mischief of the world."

I have heard adults give talks in church where they have said "It was alright that I didn't serve a mission because I got married". That is fine for them but that doesn't need to be taught from the pulpit that to forget serving a mission. Instead get married. I have also heard talks about parents who knew their kids were into "mischief". Yet, nothing was really done about it. The kids were still permitted to run around with the same kids they were getting in trouble with. Later, when serious offenses were committed they prayed to the Lord that he help their children return to the gospel.

I would like to share my story here of bad friends in my earlier life. I had a particular friend in Jr. High who was continually pulling me in the wrong direction. My mom and dad decided what to do about it. I was no longer aloud to have anything to do with this individual. It was a struggle for them. I resisted. Hard. But in the end they saved me from a dark path. I didn't make that many new friends. They kept me busy with sports, my mom stayed home with me so I wasn't able to "run around", later I got a job, and I was expected to keep an early curfew.

My husband had a similar situation in High School. He made friends with the wrong crowd and was getting into trouble. The difference in his story is that he removed himself from the situation. He disassociated himself with the group. And because he had a bad reputation it was hard for him to make new friends. He didn't care. He decided to choice the right path. He served a mission in Uruguay.

Hard decisions and choices need to be made is some cases. Sacrifices will need to be made.

Around the world members are sacrificing much for their membership in the church. Family members disown them, employers dismiss them, they aren't getting promotions because they refuse to break the word of wisdom, just to name a few I am personally aware of with friends I have met.

During a Relief Society meeting a lesson on Sacrifice was taught and time seemed to be the one thing most people said they were sacrificing. I think we are missing out on teaching our kids what it is to really sacrifice here.

This to me is the reason so few young men are serving missions in our stake. They aren't asked or required by family or friends to sacrifice immediate "joy" in order to serve a mission.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQIQA6s2_Hw

This is a great video.

Provo heard our voices! No Daytime Curfews!!!

2011-03-02T07:33:00.002-07:00

I have a new found admiration for government.

I got wind of the Provo City Council voting on a city Day Time Curfew and emailed three of my email groups and word spread fast. Before long there was a protest organized and letters written. Our voices and concerns were heard and the Mayor wrote a letter to the council members the morning before the meeting was scheduled and told them he was going to take the vote off the agenda.

I am so happy I could cry! Oh, I am crying!

Her is the link to the news coverage.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=14564753

Love makes the world go 'round.

2011-02-16T15:50:00.002-07:00

I thought about when I was in high school and wanted someone to put a valentine in my locker. grin. I helped my kids get their valentines ready. They happily went to our co-op and passed out their candies. A fun tradition.

My dear husband took me out the week before Valentines Day. Missed all the crowds and higher prices. We went to Outback and had a lovely dinner. We then went and walked around Pier One Imports like kids. Then saw a great movie. It was so nice to have a wonderful date with my honey! On Valentine's Day we had a family night. Cooked steaks, cuddled on the couch as a family and watched tv together and laughed, and sat in the hot tub before bed. grin

I saw so many posts about Valentines Day being "single awareness week". grin again.

I stood behind a young man in the grocery store on Valentine's Day. He had a big bunch of roses and was buying steaks. The check out lady grinned and asked him if he was cooking for his girlfriend or wife. He smiled and said "I am cooking dinner and taking flowers to an 89 year old widow down the street". My heart melted.

My son was looking at chocolate covered strawberries on a commercial while watching T.V. with his dad. They started talking about his sisters, and he got an idea stuck in his head. He was going to get them those strawberries and come to the door as their Valentine. He bugged me all day. I finally got to take him to the store. He picked through all the boxes of chocolate covered strawberries until he found the perfect ones. When dad got home he went to the door and asked for the girls. They came to the door and there stood my son with a box for each of them. They were so excited. My oldest daughter picked him up and kissed him and told him it was the best Valentine ever.

I think love starts with loving yourself first. Then you will find love all around you. The young man in the grocery store didn't feel bad he didn't have a date. He made someone else feel special. My son didn't care about the candy he didn't get from friends, he wanted to make his sisters feel special.

I was so happy to see the wonderful things going on around me this Valentines Day. I felt the love.

Memories are the only thing that last throughout time.

2011-02-01T08:19:00.006-07:00

The yearly daddy daughter dance is a big event.

The girls look forward to it for weeks. This year they did a princess theme. Shelby jumped at the chance to wear her gown again. Taylor was less enthusiastic about sporting a fancy dress. But in the end she went with a beautiful dress my sister made.

It was a fun evening full of silly antics and fun with their dad.

These are such awesome pictures. Dad loves goofing off with his girls.

Ricky and I spent the night eating pizza and watching a fun movie together. These moments pass so quickly.

Discounted ski school/pass

2011-01-16T11:34:00.005-07:00

A great friend of ours, whom also is part of our homeschool group, was able to get Sundance ski resort to give homeschoolers a discounted ski package. The kids get two hours of ski school and then a pass to ski the rest of the day. This is our second year participating. It has been so much fun for them.

Rick was able to get a free ski pass as the chaperon and has enjoyed having that time with the kids.

This year Rick took the girls up to the top and had them ski down with him. It was steeper than they like. But they did it and felt a great sense of accomplishment. Shelby and Taylor both like a slower journey down the mountain. I think Ricky will be the speed demon going to the top with dad and liking every minute of it. LOL.

Remembering Grandma Smith

2011-01-01T08:31:00.002-07:00

On December 19, 2010 my loving Grandma Loria Smith passed away and is singing with her husband as they continue to watch us all carry on their loving legacy.

My mom and 3 uncles answered a sweet prayer of mine to be able to speak at her funeral. It was so amazing to talk with cousins and remember the sweet memories of this great woman that played a big role in molding us into who we are today. When I remember Grandma it will be with a smile.

I'd like to share my talk. There are so many more memories. Maybe by reading these words more memories will come and big smiles will follow.

I was asked to retell the great memories of all the grandchildren that we have of grandma. I hope you don't mind me chewing gum today. This isn't meaning to be disrespectful. It is actually a tribute to grandma. She usually had a piece of gum. I remember fondly showing me how she made the gum POP!

We all didn't call her by the same name. For some it was Grandma Smith, Grandma, maama, etc. But in collecting memories one thing was the same. Grandma made all of us smile.

When Grandma was in her house I'd call her and we'd spend most of the time catching up on what you all were doing. I knew what everyone was up to, who came by, who took her shopping or to the doctors, how everyone did at wrestling matches, cheer competition, races, car shows, and how much fun she had at birthday parties.

She always made me smile.

There are a number of things that would bring memories back of wonderful times at Grandma's, and all I need to do is mention a few words and everyone can picture the whole scene as if it were yesterday.

She always made us smile.

Grandma's door was always open and she always had food ready on the stove. She gave us all wonderful traditions of chicken and dumplings, jello salad with fruit, the best canned green beans, little debbies, banana baby food, and coke was always known as "pop".

Christmas was the best time of the year. Grandma didn't have much in money but we never knew that. There was never a shortage of love. We would all sit in her front room with a stocking full of my favorite Christmas gifts. Socks, underwear, and a book of lifesavers and other hard candy. And she wouldn't start until everyone was there. I remember waiting for Uncle John until what seemed to an 8 year old girl like midnight before we opened our gifts. (It was really only 9pm)

The best memory the great grand kids have is the "party" grandma had at her house on the 4th of July. She loved her grand babies. Even when her health started getting bad she just wanted to see and take care of the grand babies.

Everyone can remember the Ouija board. We were in trouble for knocking everything down s we all piled on top of each other down the stairs. Grandma was there telling parents to "leave those babies alone". "They didn't hurt anything".

The Athena restaurant was where grandma made those amazing salads and where some of us sat and ate chips with blue cheese dressing, Greek olives, and talked to grandma while she worked.

Grandma would always let us get pizza from Casano's across from her house. I felt so grown up. She'd let us call ad order it and walk over to pick it up.

Nikki tells a story about just how much grandma enjoyed us all and loved to help and be a part of everything we were doing. It was her first date with Josh and she wanted to make chicken and dumplings. She called grandma and grandma stayed on the phone as she took Nikki step by step until it was done.

Kim tells a story about how inventive grandma was. Nothing was to hard and there was always a solution. Chelsea was a baby and grandma was babysitting her. Kim called to make sure grandma had what she needed and grandma said Shaun forgot diapers. Grandma told Kim she found something and she was alright. When Kim got off work and went to pick Chelsea up, she saw that Grandma had used dish towels and maxi pads. Everything was just fine.

She always made us smile.

Grandma made the best macaroni salad. It was at all the family gatherings. She had the kids always help out. Some of us used a knife for the first time cutting up pickles for her. Do you remember the year she lost her band aide?

She always made us smile.

It was so much fun at grandma's house. I loved her big tree. We used that tree as "base" for hundreds of games of tag and hide and seek. Grandma would sit on her front porch and watch us play.

We always made her smile.

When grandma got frustrated and tried to call one of our names, she'd run threw all 9 of the other grand kids names until she got to the one she wanted. This wasn't a bad thing. Just one thing that made us smile.

Kmart was one of her favorite stores. Grandma took me there when I was about 8 and got my picture taken. She had gotten me a pair of purple corduroy overalls that I loved. I kept wearing those even when they were to short. That was my favorite picture.

Grandma loved doing things with us.

She always made us smile.

The best memories would be the 45+ years we grand kids were blessed to spend with her.

She loved us and always made us smile.

Miss Perfect

2010-12-06T07:44:00.003-07:00

We were so excited yesterday to find out that Pageant Perfect (a pageant coach) had submitted Shelby's picture to a photographer and she was chosen as Novembers Miss Perfect.

More benefits to doing a pageant just keep rolling in. This news gave Shelby such a confidence boost.

Her is the link to see her picture on their website. You will need to scroll to the bottom.

http://www.pageant-perfect.com/

Pride and Prejudice

2010-11-23T08:57:00.004-07:00

Shelby had the great opportunity to audition and receive the part of Miss Bingly in the Homeschool Theatre's production of Pride and Prejudice.

This was cast with all homeschoolers age 11-18 in the Utah County area. The kids practiced for 3 months and did an amazing job. They also held a garage sale to raise money. Moms were left to come up with costumes. Those like myself who don't sew relied on Ebay to get their hands on the perfect one. Shelby looked amazing on stage.

I would like to thank the Liechty's for this amazing opportunity for our kids. It was marvelously produced and a wonderful show.

The production was supposed to be performed at the Grove Theatre in Pleasant Grove. However, the night of the first show we found out the Fire Marshall had closed the theatre. There was a mad dash to find another place. Another auditorium was found and the show went on.

There are so many wonderful opportunities for our children. I am so thankful for the wonderful families that share their interests and talents with us.

Arrow of Light Recipient

2010-11-14T08:03:00.006-07:00

Ricky earned his Cub Scout Arrow of Light this summer. They had the ceremony for him at the end of October. He had a lot of fun working on the requirements.

We are so proud of him. We love the Scouting program. It teaches young boys to respect themselves and others. It helps Ricky realize that his contributions to the world matter. One person can make a difference.

He is a great example to those around him. We can't wait to start working on Boy Scout badges!

Fall is the best time of year.

2010-10-31T11:00:00.004-06:00

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."
- Elizabeth Lawrence

A week before Halloween it snowed here in Utah! Yes, the kids were so excited. Ricky can't wait to build a snow fort in the backyard. But that will be a few months away. We had the best Halloween this year. Parties everywhere and great costumes the kids were excited about. Our football teams aren't doing so well this year. But we still love them and still wear the colors proudly.

They forcasted snow the second week in October. That is early. Even here. We couldn't believe it. Yep, we woke up and we had white grass outside. It was official. Time to get out the coats, gloves, hats, boots, scarves, and sweaters in preparation for the fall/winter weather. My oldest needed everything. She went from being a tween last year to a full blown adult this year. Nothing fit. Luckily she takes care of her stuff and it was in like new condition and the next daughter inherited 2 jackets and a new ski jacket and boots. My youngest is a boy. I'm not mean enough to make him wear his sisters stuff from last year. Luckily he only needed new boots and gloves. I got them each a few sweaters/sweat shirts and we are good to go.

Halloween was a blast!!! It started Thurs. were I drove my oldest and 4 friends to a big Halloween party. They all had on great costumes. They all had a great time. Lots of stories to be told. Then Friday there was a skating party and another party that night for the other two kids. Everyones favorite game was "Darling if you love me smile".

It is so wonderful to have great kids around to associate with. Good clean fun was had by all.

Football this year has produced winning season for our favorite teams. The Broncos are just sad. We watch hoping to see Tim Tebow play. Rick will pause the game and yell for everyone to come watch because Tim Tebow is in for one play. LOL! BYU isn't that great either. But we are true fans. There through thick and thin.

It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life. ~P.D. James

Thoughts will take you to amazing places

2010-10-13T10:55:00.003-06:00

I know it has been a while since I last posted. I have been doing a lot of thinking about where we are going in our journey in life, and didn't really have anything "great" to write. Or so I thought.

First let's start with the Pageant. Wow! I learned not to judge a book by its cover. I have judged pageant girls my whole life. And not in a good light, I might add. I am here to tell everyone it is a lot more than just looking pretty on stage. Now that does play a role. The girl needs to be poised, graceful, and look very comfortable in front of a lot of people. And that isn't an easy task. But they also have some very great qualities I must say are not so visible and you don't get to see.

I thought my daughter's resume was exceptional. She volunteers, has a 4.0 GPA, is Secretary of her Sophomore class, is a cheerleader, and swims. But so are the other girls. My daughter also plays the piano, but the other girls are concert pianist, simi pro ballerinas, and play violin in symphonies. These girls are so talented and dedicated. Great lesson in "you can always improve". I really had not looked into what a Pageant is all about. I just saw a few things and made my judgment. A great lesson in 'not judging others'.

Next, we'll go on to my son's football career. He's 10 and plays 5th grade football. My son loves football. He knows more about the game than most adults. His dream is to play football in High School and hopefully in college. I played sports. I know you get great coaches and not so great coaches. I also know about the politics that are involved. The coaches son usually gets to play the "key" positions. That's why the coach is out there. That is why my husband and I have both coached. I get it and accept it. But I am having a hard time with our current situation. I try to keep a positive attitude. My son gets screamed at and humiliated by his coach, and I tell him he is just trying to make you a better player. It is building character. Right? Recently, I have started doubting that philosophy. It started a week ago in a game when the coach wanted my son to cover a certain "hole" and wasn't communicating it well enough and got frustrated. He grabbed my son and pushed him. Ricky fell down. I was beyond control. Right there in front of the whole team I let the coach have it. I know see things with new eyes. I don't see him as trying to help my son. He doesn't have my son's interest in heart at all. He is about himself and where all this going to take him. Perspective in situations lets you see the same situation totally differently. I know see that my son is a 10 year old boy. He needs to be gaining confidence. Don't be torn down all the time. That isn't building character. It is leaving him not wanting to play football.

Can he reach his goals playing for another team, in a different division? Yes, he can. Another football coach (High School) even told my husband that. Right now my son just needs to be learning good fundamentals and gaining confidence. Confidence is the difference between good and great.

Next, is my middle daughter. She quit swimming last spring to play softball. She swam on a recreational team for fun and keep in shape, but left her club team that swam every day. When she went back in the fall they didn't pick her back up. They told me that she shouldn't have left. At first my view was "how crazy". Taylor had learned this summer that swimming is her love and she wanted to only do swimming from now on. This was a crushing blow. I knew of another team that is a 20-30 minute drive (depending on traffic). I hesitated taking her there, but then decided it wasn't that bad. So we are now on that team and we drive everyday. Taylor is swimming better and faster. She has great confidence in what she is doing. So the "bad" experience, brought an even better experience our way. Perspective!

I have a lot of parents tell me I am crazy for driving so much. No I'm not. It's just your perspective. Just because you wouldn't do it, doesn't mean I shouldn't.

2010-09-22T13:34:00.002-06:00

I had a great conversation with my husband's cousin this week. She is having trouble with her son's teacher at school and wondered if I could help her find information about homeschooling. I thought I would post our conversation and maybe it is one you have had or wanted to have. Maybe it has some answers that you have been looking for. Maybe it will just let you know me a litttle better. :P This will be a long post...sorry.

Me -

First, we started homeschooling our oldest (Shelby) when she was in first grade. We had a terrible experience in kindergarten and knew we needed to find something else. The school literally told me that they had my daughter for more hours during the day and knew what was best for her. That didn't sit well with me or Rick.

I think parents don't realize that they have other alternatives to their kids education and feel trapped in government run school systems.

School for Elementary aged kids doesn't take 8 hours a day. Why they are there so long is ridiculous. 1st through 3rd grade generally will only take you around (give or take) 2 hours a day. Some days not even that.

Reading and math are really the only "structured" curriculum you will need to focus on until 4th grade - ish. Art, music, science, and social studies don't need to be "formal" (and I'll get into that later on) I bet there are great homeschool activities he would love to participate in, in your area. Google homeschooling in .....(your town).

There are many learning styles. Spend some time finding out how your son learns. Is he visual, is he hands on, or both. That will help you find a curriculum that works well with him. Curriculum is not "one size fits all" and that is why government schools are failing. (In my opinion of course)

There are a lot of teaching philosophies out there. You can google them and learn more. I'll name a few of them that are popular...
1. Charlotte Mason - hands on learning
2. Thomas Jefferson
3. unschooling
You can also google Homeschooling and you will get a good response of things to look at to help you decide.

We are eclectic. I don't buy into "one size or philosophy" fits all or covers all. We do a little bit of everything. I did a lot of "sampling" when the kids were young and it has served us well. Our oldest (Shelby) is 14 and a Sophomore in highschool and gets straight A's and doing very well. She does online High School (Open High School of Utah) You can google and look at it.

I am also a mom who doesn't like to spend a lot of time on "fluff". If it takes me 2 hours to organize it, it won't get done. So the stuff I use is very easy to use and the planning has already been done. wink.

I loved Miquon Math for 1st - 3rd grade. It is some workbook work mixed with hands on rods that do a great job helping them visualize the math. My kids learned to do math in their heads this way and loved it.

English at this age is mostly reading and reading comprehension and handwriting skills. I am very eclectic in this area. I like "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons". It does more than just teach them to memorize. I also liked Alpha Omega's language Arts program at this age because it was easy to follow.
Handwriting Without Tears - is a wonderful handwriting program.

Science early in Elementary school is very basic. We liked to go to the library and get books to read about bug and animals. Our library usually had programs that were fun to go to. They might even have a homeschool group that meets there. Science doesn't get to involved until 4th grade. Then I LOVE Apologia Science.

Social Studies is what is taught grade 1-3. Usually involves learning about what is around them and what is acceptable behavior. What is the post office and how does it work. How did it get started (Pony express - great books to read or movies to watch), What is a bakery, What do police men do, What are firemen, What are doctors and nurses and what do they do, etc. Lots of "field trips" to museums. This is an area belonging to a homeschool group will be beneficial. They usually have seasoned moms who coordinate wonderful outings for the kids.

Art is easy. I have some great websites to go to. When ever you need a moment to "pee, eat, shower, or even scream" simple art projects keep them "busy" while you take care of mommy.

I have so many ideas from 9 years and three kids. I'd love to help you get started. It seems daunting, but if you know some ins and outs it is a breeze, and will be very rewarding. I love having my kids home. We play, laugh, cry, learn, fight, go on adventures, and my kids are each others best friends.

Her -

Thank you so much! I'm encouraged to do this, but have to admit a little scared. I feel guilty since I was really looking forward to back to school to get a break! Now, I still want the break- but I have to consider what's best for Alek. School starts tomorrow and I'm having a much harder time than he is and I'm trying not to let it show. I'm not prepared to home school yet, but I think I can do it before the year ends.

I love your last statement including the fights, crying- I know that will be there with Alek. It took 15 times to tell him to get in the bath and only when I was upset did he FINALLY do it. I also feel it would be rewarding and it will take discipline on my part to make it successful. (deep breath) I think that's the scariest part. I've been so lazy with a schedule this summer and allowed way too much tv/video games after having a baby in May, it will take serious turn about to make this happen. I have talked to him about mommy being his teacher and he's for it. That's a good sign. Although, I also feel he knows how to work mom. I need to fix the discipline with him and I no matter where he learns first.

That's amazing you figured this all out in kindergarten for Shelby. What were they trying to do that they felt was "best" for her? Did you pull her out during the school year? The school wants me to get Alek tested for ADHD so he can have special help. When he was in daycare- they mentioned ADHD also. I've never tested him. I don't plan to use Ritlin anytime soon, but it scares me. I think Alek just learns different than most. I do need a professional assessment before I bring him home. Not for meds, but to understand his learning style more. Also, I think he just needs an outlet that sitting for 8 hours will not provide.

I love that you have some favorites that will help me get started in putting together a program for him. I've spent hours googling and it starts to feel like I'm going in circles. I'm encouraged that some state homeschooling might work best for a child with ADHD. I thought for sure it would be discouraged. The one on one interaction and also tips for headphones to help him concentrate.

Have you ever joined a homeschool that wasn't LDS? Most groups are christian, but not mormon. I don't think you need to be a member of that church, but I don't know. I haven't found a group to join for activities and that's the hardest part. I do want him around kids. One has a Monday school for homeschoolers and I like that. It's only for 3 hours. I think I know why classes are 8 hours in public- from what I remember there was a lot of get in line, wait for everyone to finish...etc. Not sure how that is really helpful after school- that can be learned at the grocery store! hahaha

When do you start this school year? You are amazing! I know it can't always easy. Although, I can see the that the pay off has many rewards. How often did you think of quitting at first? I'm sure you get very little, if any mom time away from kids. I know when I start most of my prep will be prayer! I am so thankful to have a resource like you to get started. Thank you, again.

Tomorrow, I'm going to let him start public school because i didn't prepare sooner. Ease my way into this by working with him after school and before work to build our niche. Then, pull him out. It sounds like I only have to submit 10 days before I start with Oregon. Although, he's not 7 until the end of November so I might not have to at all. You can see, I still have more research to do. I'm definately going to get the books you've suggested!

How long did it take you to begin from the time you made the decision?

Me -

There were a lot of problems in government school that bothered me and didn't set well with me. Boys lifting her skirt and the teacher telling me to not send her in dresses. (why not teach the boy to keep his hands off my daughter?), my daughter is like me and has a strong personality. Even in kindergarten she didn't take teasing or bullying well at all and took care of it. Usually telling the other kid off. I didn't see anything wrong with that. The teachers told me she had social problems. (I felt like the other kids had the social problems.) Shelby went to a Montessori preschool where they let the kids learn at their own pace. Shelby went into kindergarten reading on a second grade level. When ever she tried to read the teacher told her to stop because the other kids weren't reading yet. So I was working with her at home. 9-11 happened that year. The teacher didn't talk with the parents at all and took the kindergartners to an assembly where they talked about what happened and showed them the memorial service. I went to the school and asked if they were going to show my 5 year old tv programs on cable that they let me know ahead of time so I could come and pick her up. That is when the principal told me he had her longer and knew what was best for her. It took me the rest of the school year to get life in order and have a different plan than send her to school. We looked at private schools, but weren't in the position to do so. We looked at new charter schools, but found them no better than government run schools. I heard from my sister about homeschooling during the second semester. We went to a convention together and I was convinced. Rick said it was up to me and "we can always put her back in if it doesn't work out". I was determined to make it work. I wasn't going to send her back.

We started 1st grade at home. I didn't see the need for her to be "beat up" everyday.

When we lived in Florida we belonged to a Presbyterian homeschool group. I found there that most groups are run by a church and they don't like Mormons. One even asked us to sign a "Statement of Faith" which made us say we didn't believe the Book of Mormon was true. So we walked away. It wasn't until 2nd grade that we found the Presbyterian group and they were wonderful.

We love our Friday "classes" at a charter school here. Art, Piano, Sculpting, theatre, etc. Gives the kids an outlet. Finding a non denomination group is wonderful. Everyone seems to be more worried about their children than religious issues.

I have my own thoughts about ADHD. I certainly am against putting the kids on meds. I feel it is easier for them to label the kids than deal with them. Don't let them put him in a special group. He will get stuck through life as the "special needs" kid. Which is ridiculous. I have 3 kids all different learners. Shelby is advanced. She learns in every style and does it quickly. Then I have Taylor (12) who has Dyslexia and has always struggled with reading and spelling. She probably would have been placed in a special group and not been able to take advanced classes like she is now. I just didn't stress over it and we worked on it, and worked on it. There are people out there who like to judge or label others. Don't let that happen. Taylor can write and tell amazing stories. Her spelling isn't great. But we have spell checker, and I don't stress with her. I just let her learn in her way.

I am not big into nutrition, but I did some research early on about ADHD. I had someone tell us she thought Shelby was and she wanted us to put her on meds. I was a bit offended. But went and did some research on it. Meds couldn't be the only solution. Most kids are "hyper" so I wasn't convinced. Diet plays a big role in all our lives. I don't know anything about what your son enjoys. I would suggest you googling ADHD diets and see if changing some things up helps him out. See if you notice a change. And remember the old adage "Boys will be boys". Teacher have 30+ kids to deal with and it is easy for them to drug the kids than deal with them. Told you I have my own thoughts on the issue. wink.

We start school at the beginning of August. We ease into it. Start with things they like then add a subject each week. We end usually at the end of April or middle of May. Depends on if we took a vacation during the year or not. I have them read all summer.

Prayer helps! I find that my kids listen to me. We have our "family" moments where telling them 3 times isn't enough and I have to yell. Then I've got their attention and they do the work. But generally they know it is important are self motivated. There are great blogs you can follow, too. They talk about homeschooling little ones. Chore charts, school work reward charts, etc. Fun stuff to help teach him to be self motivated.

Something will kick start your path. For me it was the principal telling me he knew what was best for my daughter. When you get the kick you'll move past the fear and just do it.

I'm impressed that you are so involved and worried for your son. They only get one chance at childhood.

Her -

We have a LOT of the same views. I'm so glad we connected. As far as diets for ADHD- I've checked out a few and they are time consuming to eliminate and see what happens. Plus, he hasn't been diagnosed at this point. I try to limit sugar as much as I can for a kid. I still want him to be able to be a kid and how much fun is it to never have a cookie? I try though. I lean more toward natural remedies like calm child. It has herbs and things like that in it. I know my first step is to get him to a doc to know exactly what I'm dealing with. Then apply the most common diets/natural remedies that work. Something as simple as removing gluten might be the trick depending on what it is. You are absolutely right about him being "labeled" so young. I don't like how that can make him feel about himself.

I loved hearing how you got started. I never imagined myself considering homeshool- that was before I was a parent! I think it will take me this school year to get all the bumps worked out and make it work with all life's responsibilities. Balance is the key. I'm planning on working from home soon. I'm checking out all the books you've suggested to start Alek on and I like them. Mostly, I love they are not super expensive like some that are advertised. Is there any tax advantage to homeschooling? From what I've read, it doesn't look like it, but thought I'd ask.

I'm excited when I think of the possibilities when I can balance all of it. I would love some help hunting a group in my area. I'm in wood village- just outside of Portland. My zip is 97060 if that helps. I have found 2 and both are church based. I'm sure there are more but having a hard time sorting through the google search- mostly ads come up for homeschool courses that are costly. Feels like going in circles.
What about this conference you attended that convinced you? Any in my area? It feels like a secret community that isn't made available to the public. Although, I read it's growing 7-12% each year. You were ahead of your time!
I don't want Alek to be labeled. Right now the teacher is having him sit on a bumpy pillow so he can sit still. I'm frustrated and exhausted trying to pull him out. If I start now, I can lay the ground work to be prepared for 2nd grade. I'm learning his learning style this year while he's still in public school. Yes, something will kick start my path. If I get to wits end- I know I can start tomorrow if I absolutely had to. I feel it would be better for Alek if I get all my ducks in a row first. Wish I would have started a year ago!

Me -

I am without words as I read about the pillow! What in the world is that teacher doing? Humiliating your son? Wow!

Now that I got that off my chest....

Here are a few sites I found...don't know if you already saw them or not. But we can start there.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/regional/OregonSupport.htm

this site has a list of groups in every county. I saw a lot of secular groups.

http://www.midnightbeach.com/hs/Oregon.html

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/laws/blOR.htm
This page has the laws that govern Oregon with Homeschooling.

Oregon has a virtual academy. http://zsem.k12.com/tpages/index2c_dyn.html?st=OR&se=Google&campaign=OR_National_Job_K120928&adgroup=OR_Nat_Virtual&kw=oregon+virtual+academy&gclid=CIKm8YOWm6QCFSE1gwodSxOrEQ

We participated in a K12 virtual academy and enjoyed it. They provide all the curriculum...FREE. For parents just starting out and don't know what they want to do this program is great. They have "teachers" to ask questions and help guide you. Their language Arts is a bit much. But I can help you with secrets to getting it done.

Start with these sites and let me know if you find anything. Let me know if you need more. I didn't want to fill to much space and you get lost. hehehehehe.

I can see how it feels like a secret society. It is just new, and you don't know where to look. Like with most things...It helps to know people. :)

Oh..Conventions are usually held in the Spring and Summer. I'll keep an eye out for you.

Her -

Wow! I love this virtual academy. I tried one called home connections that provided a computer, but it had a 2 year waiting list. I found this out only after I had to wait for the brochure, then I was offered the private program that was 2-3 thousand a year. I was expecting to get the same results but a 6 minute phone call to the right place answered all my questions and makes me feel I could do this in 2 weeks. They also help provide connections with other homeschoolers for socialization. Which was one of my biggest fears to take him out of public school. I started with this link and I'm excited to explore the others.
The pillow!? Thanks for validating my feelings. I left with a heavy heart when I saw that and I'm really trying to stay centered. I had Natalie the end of May and wonder sometimes if I'm still a little hormonal. What bothered me more was when Alek came home from school one day I asked about friends. He was trying to talk to a kid and the teacher told the kid to ignore Alek. I'm sure it was during a time she was trying to teach- he might have been disruptive..... I don't know, but I could see how it made my son feel. He is very active, possibly ADHD, maybe dyslexic.... but he's a very sensitive kid. He's smart, when all the stars are in line and the planets are just right, he lets me get a glimpse of what he's capable of! I feel like I have to weigh the options, lonely or spending the day with negative input.
I'm looking forward to checking out the other websites after work- These are all ones I haven't seen before.
Have you ever thought of writing a book about your journey homeschooling? I think it's hard to find info because at the moment it still gets negative remarks from most that haven't tried it. Just a thought- I've learned alot just by emailing you and I'm sure it could help many that are even wondering if they should.
Thank you, Again!

Remembering the Summer

2010-09-11T07:22:00.004-06:00

We are well into our school routine now. The lazy fun daze of Summer are a memory. I came across a few photos I hadn't downloaded from my phone and spent some time smiling remembering the journey.

My younger cousin Stevie, drove out to Utah from Ohio and spent a night with us. We drove up the Canyon and went to Moab with him. So much beauty all around us that we take for granted each day. I don't think I'd seen Steven in over 5 years or so. It was great catching up with him. The kids enjoyed the teasing fest!

Wonderful, sweet Taylor's birthday is during the summer. Her birthday celebration is always part of some other great story. She turned 12. She is so fantastic. Her personality is amazing. Her love for everything is so contagious. She is still a little girl inside. Everything is "new" and "wonderful" to her. She truly Enjoys the Journey.

Each day I am reminded of just how wonderful life is. I look at my wonderful children and I am amazed at how blessed we all are.

Today 9-11-2010...I am so thankful for this wonderful life.

Cheaper by the "half dozen".

2010-08-29T09:23:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I watched "Cheaper by the Dozen II" with my kids (for the hundredth time, I love that movie). There are so many great lines in the movie that epitomize real life and make us think about what we are doing as parents. But Yesterday one line really got my attention like never before.

The Bakers and the Murtaughs have raced to the hospital where the oldest has just had a baby. The family is gathered around the bed and she tells them the name of the baby boy. "We named him Tom. Because dad has shown us that there is no perfect parent".

No perfect parent! What?! Isn't that our quest in life? That got me thinking about the characters more. Murtaugh is portrayed as the "bad" guy. But I never really thought so. I was rooting him on.

In the end both parents have to learn to let their kids leave and choose what they want. Both took different roads to get their children where they are. Neither was wrong. Steve Martin has a line in the movie where he says "Don't tell me how to raise my children". I think what made Murtaugh the "bad" guy was his judgment on the Baker family.

We as parents have a great blessing and that is the freedom to raise our kids the way we choose, using the methods we like and agree with. The opportunities we create for our children give them wonderful learning experiences. Learning experiences we want them to have. That is a freedom I think more people need to fight for.

In the end they both are the good parents and their kids love them and embrace them. On a religious note...Our Heavenly Father gave us Free Agency for many reasons. I believe on of those reasons is we all have different talents and missions to fulfill here on Earth. If we all did everything the same and only had one choice, it would be very hard to fulfill our missions and reach our potentials.

I don't have quiet the dozen. Not even half a dozen. We are a family of 5. But I like to think we are a bit like the Murtaughs and the Bakers. All learning to give our kids everything we can in this life. Our goal is to give them what they need to return Home to our Heavenly Father. Along the way we hope they find out what their talents are, what their mission is, and have the tools to succeed.

And....we're off!

2010-08-25T11:14:00.003-06:00

It's that time again. The beginning of a new school year. We started this week along with the government schools. I have heard from a few friends who homeschool as well that they are overwhelmed. Start slow. You don't have to keep a schedule. Do a little this week and then add something next week. Let the kids pick the subjects they like and start there. You don't have to fit it all in at the start.

The key is keeping the kids interesting in learning.

My youngest got to pick three subjects this week that he wants to work on. He is a 5th grader. He choose reading, math, and vocabulary. Next week we'll ad another subject. In September our coop classes begin and he will have one day a week at a local charter school taking sculpting, piano, and a fitness class. We will also add a club called Knights of Freedom where they read a biography of a famous person and have discussions, and they each take turns in charge of activities and they get to learn new games and be boys.

My middle child is starting Middle school and she got to pick 4 subjects to start this week with. She choose reading, math, vocabulary and grammar. She found out that Middle School isn't that much harder. (Hard doesn't mean impossible. It means just a little more concentration and effort). She will add writing next week. In September she will start a Shakespeare class. She will learn the language, write reports, play games, attend plays, and next semester put on a Shakespearean play. She will also go to the local charter school once a week and take sculpting, art, and violin.

My oldest is once again attending Open High School of Utah and is a Sophomore. It is an online High School. She is her class Secretary, and will be on the yearbook staff as well. This year the student government have a class with a few assignments and they will get credit for their service. I'm excited about that. We like to get as much credit for our efforts as possible. With hopes of getting a scholarship, leadership is a very important part of the applications. She is taking Algebra II, English 10 Honors, World Civ., Biology, Graphic Design, and Health. Next Semester Graphic Design will be replaced with Photography and Health will be replaced with Yearbook.

Here is a great article to read as to put life in the right perspective. We only have our kids at home for a short period in our lives.

Enjoy the Journey!!!

http://ldsmag.com/lds-church-updates/article/6111?ac=1

Decisions, decisions, decisions!

2010-08-10T07:52:00.000-06:00

This year we decided to spend a little more time focusing on our oldest daughter, and help her realize how wonderful she really is. Moving to Utah seems to have been hardest on her. She misses old friends that were so kind and supportive of her. She misses family members who were her cheerleaders. She loved gymnastics, but soon became to tall. (Go figure..dad over six feet tall and mom is 5'9"). She said she'd like to cheer. So we went for it and now she is cheering for a competitive team.

She missed her lighter hair and the sun that kept it that way. So she saved up her money and got highlights in her hair.

Things started looking brighter through Shelby's eyes. She started feeling "normal" again. Moving a pre-teen across the country to a new culture and hoping they cope and figure it all out on their own is crazy. I'm an adult and haven't found a way to cope yet. Mommy! I'm so thankful for the ability to find her "thing" that helped her cope.

Now for the big event. She wanted to be in a Pageant. Well, we just happened to know the Director of the Miss Utah Outstanding Teen Pageant and she told us how to get involved. It has been so much fun preparing. You know you have a great kid. And then you start filling out paperwork and putting down all of their accomplishments, and they see how amazing all their work is...Priceless! In the past few months she has said more than a few times.."I rock"! We just had her photos taken and now she is saying "I'm beautiful"! We knew this already of course. But the world around her was telling her different. She needed to see herself again.

Post a comment and support Shelby. Let her know how great a person you think she is!

Another great debate

2010-08-05T07:58:00.000-06:00

Recently there was a great debate on a group I follow about whether or not you are a true homeschooler if you participate in State funded programs. This really got me thinking about what my strong views are and why I have them.

First I want to state that I believe any program the State is willing to allow Homeschoolers to participate in is a win win. For so long we have been excluded from activities in the school district for various reasons. I really don't buy into the belief or feeling that government money is evil. What I do think is that this is a greater move towards Choice in Education, and that is a wonderful thing. Parents are responsible for the up bringing of their children. They should have the choice in how they educate them as well.

Every year I end up choosing something different. One year we didn't participate in anything. Not even a coop. Another year we used K12 through the local school district. Another year we did k12 and a local coop. This year the kids really wanted to take music and art so we are signing up for a few classes at a local charter school.

I still consider myself a homeschooling mom. All of our core classes are taught at home. 4 days out of 5 we are at home. I am the one choosing the kids curriculum and what they are exposed to. Yes I am going to use the state's money to pay for curriculum. After all I do pay taxes. I look at it in the view that I am getting MY money back. Not TAKING it from the state.

I am really excited to see more choices in educating our children. This is a great opportunity for those interested. I hope and pray for more choices for parents.

Time flies when you're havin' fun!

2010-07-22T07:53:00.000-06:00

Wow! Summer time is coming to an end fast. We have had some great adventures. Besides the hikes, the trips to the pool, the road trips to Moab and Bryce, the swimming meets, the softball and baseball games, I really enjoyed the great conversation and lessons learned. REALLY!

I saw how much my kids had grown up since last summer. Shelby is taller than I am now. Taylor has grown so much I call her Shelby because in my head Shelby is still that size. Ricky went from my little man, to a big boy. He is almost to heavy to sit in my lap in the mornings for our morning hugs.

"Jane! Stop this crazy thing...called life". (Love that quote)

Raising these beauties I have learned so much about myself. One of my great revelations in life came from teaching my kids. Is what you THINK you believe and hold dear REALLY what you hold dear? I could talk the talk before and be very convincing. But not till I was teaching my kids and reinforcing our values to them and helping them cope in the real world did I realize how important it is for us to be strong and vigilant. I began to realize how important my values where to me. How strongly I really felt about outside forces teaching wrong values to MY family.

Suddenly I understood the drive that the Prophets in the scriptures had in standing up for what is right. Even if it meant not being popular, being portrayed as the bad guy, or even cast out. It is so hard to be true to your beliefs and who you are when everyone (and I do mean everyone) is against you. Leaders, "friends", neighbors, schools, you name it. Standing up and saying "this is wrong and not acceptable" is a hard thing to do. It is a lonely thing to do.

You are doing a great job! Keep it up! I look up to a lot of you and the example you are. Call someone today and tell them you think they are doing a great job and you care.

Our German experience.

2010-07-16T12:57:00.000-06:00

This Summer we hosted a 15 year old German student. On our cruise in March the German family asked us if we would be willing to host their son. I went into this with really high hopes. I thought he would be so excited to do the things we had planned for him. I had explained before hand that we aren't that exciting. The dad assured us that he didn't expect us to "entertain" his son. He would be here to get better at English.

I should have gotten an idea of what was to come when in an email before his arrival he told us he would like to visit Bryce Canyon, The Grand Canyon, and other National Parks that are more than a day trip away.

He got here the week before 4th of July. Rick took him and his dad, along with two of our kids, to Arches National Park. They seemed to really enjoy that. That night we took them to a local steak house for dinner. The next day was Sunday. Sundays at our house are very quiet. We read, watch NASCAR, nap, etc. The dad seemed a little put out, even though I had explained our routine to him beforehand.

That next week was terrible. Niklas didn't understand English as well as his parents thought. We thought we were communicating with him, but found out later we weren't. I would get frustrated when I asked him questions and he nodded that he understood, only to have him seem to ignore me. He also made rude comments about our food. He wouldn't eat at the family picnic. He said hamburgers make you fat. I took that as him suggesting that our family was fat.

4th of July weekend came and we had a lot of activities planned. Saturday we went to the Freedom Festival in Provo. It was very exciting. The kids had earned some money helping me get ready for Niklas' visit and found some great souvenirs. Ricky got a steel sword. Niklas was very concerned. He asked Rick if he was getting it, and Rick explained no, that Ricky was. Niklas told us that in Germany you aren't allowed to purchase blades. Then we went on through out the Festival. He didn't seem interested. We went to Colonial Days and participated in some pioneer activities and he refused to participate. It was very uncomfortable. We felt like we needed to move on. When it was time to have lunch we all found our favorite vendor and got what we wanted. He didn't like any of the choices. Nothing we seemed to do was up to what he expected or wanted. It didn't get better.

We had tickets for the Stadium of Fire and went early as usual to participate in the Pre concert activities. Shelby won the limbo contest and won 4 tickets to Seven Peaks water park. Ricky won a lunch box. And Rick won tickets to next years Stadium of Fire. Niklas just stood on the side with his arms folded and refused again to participate. We got into the stadium about 45 minutes before it started. We found our seats and Niklas seemed a little bugged. He pointed to the seats below us and asked "why are we sitting down there. Those are much better seats". I told him that those seats cost more money and these are the ones we purchased. He didn't want to get anything from the concessions with the kids either. During the show he asked a number of times "when is this over". I think his lack of English was starting to make things really difficult.

At home he doesn't like to do anything with the girls. When I am not around he teases them. They don't like it at all. If I don't have an activity planned he goes to his room and closes the door and plays video games or goes online to "check email".

We have gone to the pool a number of times, and he enjoys that. We also took him to Timp Cave. I wasn't sure if he enjoyed that or not. But we did. He took some pictures, but he seemed irritated that we weren't walking up the mountain as fast as him and we kept asking him to wait for us. He told us his 80 year old grandma was in great shape and hiked all the time.

This week was a little better. He finally (out of starvation) had a cheeseburger. He said "Hamburgers here are better than in Germany". That was the first time he had anything nice to say about things here. He seems to always want to tell us that things in Germany are better.

He has taught Ricky some German. Ricky likes to ask you your name in German now.

We have 2 more weeks left. We are going to Park City today to take him shopping. The Mall here isn't good enough. I took him there this week and he didn't want to go into any of the shops because he wants "Abercrombie and Fitch" and other name brand stores.

We are planning a trip to Bryce Canyon this weekend.

Calgon!!!!!!!

As the World Turns

2010-07-01T07:08:00.000-06:00

No, I am not going to post about a soap opera. But my life right now would make some great writing material.

Our family has had a rough summer. We have been left feeling very alone. I won't go into details. If you want give me a call I'd love to go on and on about everything. It might help knowing someone cared.

What I did want to write about was what we are learning from it all. When you are going through hard times it is not so easy to see any good. When I was younger I quickly would ask God why he was doing this to me. But I know now he isn't doing anything to me. He is there helping me get through. Other people in our lives have their free agency to choose. They get to choose how they act, how they treat others, how they deal with hard times in their lives, etc. Sometimes their choices have negative effects on our lives. Sometimes they don't mean their choices to effect anyone else. Other times they are hurt, lonely themselves, looking for attention, etc and are lashing out at whomever is there.

“If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be".

I have a quote plaque in my room. It reads "Enjoy the journey". Sometimes the journey is rocky with steep mountains to climb. I pray Heavenly Father continues to push me up the mountain, and shows me paths around the rocks and thorns.

A long talk with my daughter last night probably helped me more than it helped her. As I was giving her advice on concentrating on the positive things in her life and not letting the negative things weigh her down, a light bulb went on. "Good advice Teresa". "Now follow it".

Onward and upward. Those who are worth having in our lives will seek us out and uplift us, not tear us down.

Our family relies a lot on the story of Job in the scriptures. We tell ourselves, we can "bare all things". "This to shall pass".

Thine adversity shall be but a small moment, D&C 121: 7-8. All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good, D&C 122: 5-8. They taste the bitter, that they may know to prize the good, Moses 6: 55.

xxxxooooo

The birds are back

2010-06-18T18:21:00.000-06:00

Our Robin came back again this year to lay her eggs. This year there were 5 eggs. 4 hatched. We watched every day looking at the birds grow. The one day I missed looking to see if they were ready to fly away....they all left the nest.

Last year we watched two of them leave the nest and fly across the street.

We hope to see our Robin again next year.

Opportunities make us

2010-06-11T07:55:00.000-06:00

25 years + ago I was so excited. I was 14 and was going to my first Youth Conference with our church. I had an amazing experience. Great classes that uplifted me, testimony meeting where I felt the Holy Ghost so strongly. I was glad I made the decision to be baptised. I was scared to go to the dance. I really didn't know anyone. But there was a Bishop there who took this opportunity to teach the young men of the stake how to make the girls feel special. It wasn't a date, or a marriage proposal. It was a simple dance. He had taught his leaders to encourage the youth to be kind to each other. I had a great time that night and met a lot of good friends I would later rely on when decisions in life got tougher as a teen.

Girls camp was also one of the high lights of my youth experience. Being a convert to the church I went to a lot of activities not expecting much. These kids had grown up together and knew each other well. But they were always very warm to everyone. The leaders encouraged kindness at church always. They expected us to be friends. And we were. The leaders weren't our friends. They were just that. LEADERS. They were there to show us the way.

I remember one year fellowshipping a girl who wasn't coming out to church. I met her for the first time one morning when our Laurel class went and woke her up and took her to breakfast. She was a great girl. We kept calling her and inviting her to activities. She finally came out and joined us a few times. We even sat together a few times at school for lunch. She graduated that year and I never saw her again. But that year I learned how to truly fellowship. The leaders encouraged us to really become her friend and care about her. She felt our concern and love for her and it was easier for her to come out and join us at church.

Today in a world where it is funny to call names and tease, I would hope that church would be a place away from all that. A place everyone was accepted and felt the spirit of the Lord. That is what being a Christian means. Acting as Christ would at all times and in all places.

The scriptures read "Thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better".

The writer of Proverbs said, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). I have witnessed in my short life that this includes good and bad behaviors and attitudes.

There is a saying that big gates move on small hinges. Sisters, your example in seemingly small things will make a big difference in the lives of our young people. The way you dress and groom yourselves, the way you talk, the way you pray, the way you testify, the way you live every day will make the difference. This includes which TV shows you watch, which music you prefer, and how you use the Internet. If you love to go to the temple, the young people who value your example will also love to go, and they will learn from you. I would also like to add that what you talk about at activities will get the youths attention and they will seek after those things. Talking about movies you have seen, books you have read, gossip about other people and what is going on in the neighborhood, etc. will be copied by the youth. These are the things they will hold onto.

I have been to great meetings that have left an impression on me 'til this day. I have met people who were such great example to me and have helped my testimony grow. I pray for such people in my children's lives. I pray that when I send them to church I can be confident that what goes on there is uplifting and helping build their testimony. That is what church meetings are for.

Ezra Taft Benson once said in a talk "Do not settle for mediocrity in this great incentive program for the young women of the Church."

The purpose of the Young Women organization is to help each young woman, ages 12 to 18, "come unto Christ" (Moroni 10:32) (taken from the Young Women website)

A new Era

2010-06-07T09:01:00.000-06:00

Wow! Time has flown by the past 14 years. First steps, first words, first friend, first fight, first day of public school, first day of homeschooling, first dance class, first cheer team, first gymnastics meet, first swim lesson, first swim meet, first time on the computer, first typing lesson, first blog, first time on Facebook, first time learning to clean her room, first babysitting job, and now FIRST PART-TIME JOB.

Shelby got her first part-time job this week. She went in and filled out her first application, had her first interview, and worked her first day and loved it. I wish I had pictures of her face at each step like I did when she was younger and did all those FIRSTS. She is to old to pull out the camera at every step now. I love to document the milestones. The come and go so quickly. I want to be careful to enjoy everyone.

Good luck Shelby. This lifelong love of working hard and doing well will serve you well in life. I'm so proud of her.

End of school woos

2010-06-01T08:01:00.000-06:00

I felt a little blue this last month. Was the school year really over? Now what?! Did I do enough for the kids this year? What should I do with my restless 10 year old son?

Now that Shelby is in High School I have become preoccupied with looking into college requirements. There are all kinds of scholarships out there. You can find a number of scholarships your child's talents fit into. But you have to look. Shelby's school made sure all the students were given the opportunity to do service this year. She earned the Presidential Service Award. That will help with Leadership scholarships. She also ran for class Secretary and won. That will help her as well for Leadership scholarships. If your child has any aspiration to play college sports be aware that the NCAA no longer accepts BYU Independent study classes. If you took core classes before Aug. 1 2010 you are alright.

Fat Cats has a Bowl for Free summer deal for the kids so I signed them up. Our local pool offers a discount on swimming passes if you buy 25 or more. We will have 5 of us going so I figured we will definitely go 5 times, so we'll be getting a pool pass as well. Shelby asked to fit in a trip to the library every week. I'll reward Ricky with a trip to the playground afterwards. A group of homeschoolers will have a "park day" every Wednesday that we will probably make it to.

I thought I didn't want a "schedule" this summer. However, I have found it keeps everyone motivated and keeps the "I'm bored" attitude at bay. So I've put together a morning schedule for the kids and myself so we have everything done so we can play in the afternoon.

Summer here we come!

1, 2, 3 strikes your out at the old ball game

2010-05-21T07:33:00.000-06:00

We love a great ball game! Our 11 yr. old daughter and our 10 year old son play softball and baseball and love it. Between April and June we spend most nights at the ball park. Last night was back to back games.

First was Ricky's game at 5:00pm. Sorry no pics of that game. Rick was coaching and I was keeping score. Ricky is becoming a great pitcher! He gets better with each game. He has worked hard at home to get more accurate and it is paying off. He has been working on hitting as well and last night he hit a great ball in left center field! I love to see him work hard. His team won 10-7.

Next was Taylor's game at 8:00pm. She has been working hard at home as well. She walked her first at bat and stole second. Then on a wild throw she tried to steal third. She hesitated a bit and then ran hard to third and slide right under the fielders mit! SAFE! I think the whole town heard me scream! Her next at bat she went down swinging. At her third at bat she SMACKED a line drive at first base. I screamed then, as well! Her team won 8-2.

Both games were so much fun to watch. I am really proud of their hard work.

And the festivities begin!

2010-05-19T07:23:00.000-06:00

Spring finally made it to Utah in the middle of May. Our family was itching to get outside and have some fun! So for Family Home Evening Rick decided to get some wood and we had a wienie roast in our backyard.

I have to say it was so nice to sit and enjoy the fire. The kids had a lot of fun chopping the wood and keeping it going. Oh that reminds me, I'll have to mark off "starting a fire for dinner" in Ricky's Scout book. LOL.

We also roasted marshmallows and made our version of smores.

We just received the "Discover the Scriptures" software and did a lesson from there. It was probably our most favorite FHE ever. Rick has really set the bar for the summer.

I'm good at worrying!

2010-05-13T08:05:00.000-06:00

Wow! What a journey this year has been. This time last year I was so stressed about starting High School with my oldest daughter. So many choices. Had I prepared her well enough? What about my other two? Would we stick with what we were doing or change it up a bit?

Our first year of High School (yes OUR first year. Any mom knows she experiences everything her children do)was a huge success. DH is brillant. ( I already knew that). She will end this year with a 3.5 GPA. It was so nice to see her do so well and enjoy it. (Well except that darn Geometry class. There is always one class you just hope to pass!).

I knew she could. It was myself I doubted. Had we done enough to prepare? Had I covered all I should have? Those oh so familiar questions we homeschool moms ask ourselves. There are so many doubters out there questioning us all the time that got me to doubt. I needed to trust my instincts, trust the Lord, and know that it all is okay in the end.

This year I decided to not teach at a coop but have classes here at my house. It was wonderful. I worried again. Would anyone sign up? Would I do a good job? Would my kids enjoy it?

Our Astronomy class was so wonderful we plan to do another science class in the fall and study Oceanography. We had wonderful new friends join us. We had fun doing reports and experiments. We ended up looking forward to it ever week. We took the most wonderful field trips this year. The Antelope Island trip showed me just how smart my kids really are. They asked the most amazing questions, and showed genuine interest in what was being taught.

I am doing alright with them. They will succeed after all.

What about that "social" question? Well, I would have to say my children are very grounded and know exactly who they are. When others around them are making questionable choices they stand up for what is right, or simply walk away. They are the leaders of the gang in the neighborhood. And they are friends with many different people from many different walks of life. And they are each others best friends. Interpret that, or spin that however you like. I think they are doing great!

They will succeed after all!

We're all politicians and Lawyers

2010-05-04T09:01:00.000-06:00

There are so many political conversations going on. Most people say they don't like the politicians. Same thing with Lawyers. There are so many jokes about blood sucking lawyers out there. And we all smirk at them, or nod our heads in agreement.

However, in my human observation we all are politicians and lawyers in our own little communities. We all smile when appropriate, all the while complaining something needs to be done. Yet we do nothing about what is wrong. It would look bad to be the one to have a descending opinion. We all shake all the right hands, and stay clear of the things that might tarnish our image with those around us. Very few of us go outside our comfort zone and stand up for much. We don't want to shake up the status quo. We all feel our position is the only position and we must be right. We all feel an injustice has come to us and it was someone else's negligence, therefore they must be put on trial amongst their peers. And the position we take is usually the most popular or the one that gets us the most. No one really knows where we stand.

Yes, certain things have transpired in the past 3 years that give me this perspective. I hear many complaints about "the state of this country", or "the state of schools", or the "state of young people". What I don't see is anyone really changing anything. Are we voting for people with morals? Are we looking for other choices for schools, or letting the schools know what we want for our kids? Are we expecting our young people to act appropriately with character and morals themselves? Are there any consequences?

We all are politicians and lawyers. We aren't willing to say anything that might not be popular and keep us "in office" with our friends or those we associate with. We just want people to "vote" for us, or to keep us around as "friends". We don't want to rock the boat and upset the masses. We just want to represent the causes that bring us the most "money" or reward. The state of this country is in the hands of its people.

Coop or not?

2010-05-03T07:51:00.000-06:00

I have been homeschooling for 9 years now. It started because I strongly disagreed with what was being presented to my 5/6 year old in Kindergarten. I spent 6 long months praying for a better choice for my daughter. The answer was to keep her at home. My very supportive husband said "Sure, we can always send her back if it doesn't work out". Now his views are "there is no way we'll ever send them to public schools".

I was nervous our first couple of years. Could I do this on my own? Were they going to have any friends? You could probably add a lot more questions that ran through our heads. We thought them all.

A friend told me about a Co-op. What's that? It is where two or more families get together and share teaching. I hate teaching Art. So we have always looked for classes or co-ops for this subject. We have found co-ops at a local church, at charter schools, at other homeschooler's homes, paid for classes, etc.

There are many benefits to co-ops. One being that you get great classes in subject areas you aren't comfortable teaching. It is also a great place to meet different people and maybe make a friend or two.

Co-oping subjects has many benefits. One I like the most is getting to do field trips with other kids. This past week we went to Heber City, Utah and road the Heber Creeper and learned about the railroad. It was a lot of fun for the kids because they met familiar faces there. Sitting on the train with just mom might not have been as much fun as riding with friends and joking around.

How do you find Homeschool groups? I love to google. When we move to new place I google Homeschool groups in (name of town/area). There will usually be a half dozen or so.

As time went on I got braver and hosted classes at my house. This past year we had a great time with Astronomy and we just finished a class on Water Colors where I had a local artist come and teach the kids. We had 7 other kids come and join us.

The great thing about homeschooling is that you are in charge and control of what your child is learning. The possibilities are endless. No one to tell you your child isn't old enough, or your child isn't good enough, or to measure your child by an arbitrary measuring stick.

I say Co-op when you can find a class your child has interests in.

Happy trails!

It's Field Trip Season!

2010-04-25T16:13:00.000-06:00

Spring is in the air and we are all itching to get out and enjoy it. Open High School had a great field trip to Antelope Island on Thursday. Siblings were more than welcome to come along.

It was a wonderful adventure. The long drive was worth it. The Naturalist made the information she gave so very exciting to listen to. And she did a great job getting the kids to ask questions. I think my youngest (10 years old and not in the class) asked more questions than anyone. He was so interested in the Bison.

It was beautiful out. The Great Salt Lake was in the background of the Bison grassing out in a distance. April is a great month to go because the bugs haven't come out yet! Big plus.

Great words from April General Conference

2010-04-20T06:39:00.000-06:00

L. Tom Perry:

Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world,
where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking,
attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the
family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and
important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and
school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she]
should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with
parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are
entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children.
Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass
the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). On God’s eternal
stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members
in their children’s lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in
the production who may step in when parents can’t. It, however, is parents
who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and
truth (see D&C 93:40).

Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer,
one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud,
one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of
righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most
powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any
society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all
find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.

(April 2010 General Conference)

College requirements Arrggghhh..they're a changin'

2010-04-19T07:52:00.000-06:00

I discovered this week that BYU's admissions requirements are going to be changing. Yes, it is going to be even more difficult to get in. No longer will a simple 4.0 GPA get you in. They will be looking for service in the community, organizations you were a part of, etc. Matter of fact, it will be the new requirement.

After looking into different ideas we came across a fun activity for Shelby to participate in. www.missuoteen.com or Miss Utah Outstanding Teen.

I know you are thinking...no way! Not a beauty pageant! But this one isn't your average pageant. It is service and academic oriented. The judges look at service you have done that is related to your platform. And they also want someone who is doing very well in school. There is a separate award for academics. Shelby is so excited about it. We certainly don't expect to win. But look forward to participating in a great program that will not only inspire us to work on more service, but will look good on transcripts.

You can help us think of a catchy name for Shelby's platform. It is a program to help young kids want to read more.

The light at the end of the tunnel

2010-04-08T07:42:00.000-06:00

April is here already! Time to check what needs to be finished and bring out some fun things to replace the things that are completed.

Thanks to all the people out there who post ideas, websites, opinions, opened their home for classes, etc., and that have helped us along our journey of homeschooling.

There was a great article in the Washington Post. If you have a chance read it. It will make you feel good about pioneering this great movement of parents choosing a better education for their children. http://virtualschooling.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/washington-post-lets-move-learning-online/ .

We decided to have our 9th grade daughter participate in an online High School Program this year. It was the schools first year. For the most part it has been wonderful. There have been issues with some content that I have voiced my concern about. Pictures that went with the text that I deemed inappropriate. Videos that were used as part of the "learning experience" that I thought my 13 year old didn't need to watch. Surprisingly I caught a lot of heat for my dissension.

I don't think that that schools should take all the heat for poor education in this country and for the decline of values. Parents who don't demand change or just let the status quo continue are to blame. The boat needs to be rocked if the strokes being taken are taking you and your family on the wrong path.

I know everyone wants OHSU to be successful. But ignoring issues doesn't make it a better place. Voicing concern in programs will only make it better.

At the end of the year I can put my stamp of approval on

Apologia Science books. - best curriculum. We learned so much and had a blast.

Draw Write Now - Great writing tool. My kids loved drawing and then looking up more facts.

Open High School of Utah - Opened a lot of doors of discussion. Look forward to adding their math program next year. Teachers were very attentive and responded quickly. They seemed more concerned on learning the material than deadlines. I really appreciated that. But you need to watch content. Videos and pictures might be more worldly than you would like. But if you are involved you can have great discussions.

We are still looking for that great Math program. We don't think one program fills in the gaps. So we will continue to change it up and use various tools in teaching in this area. Saxon is good - but dry. Aleks.com is wonderful - but the kids don't like everything online.

K12 has a great History program. We really enjoy the teaching of true History. American History had nothing deleted. History is History. Deleting facts and not teaching them doesn't change the fact that they happened. If we don't learn about our past we will just make the same choices and not learn or get better.

See my post on teaching Mediocrity.

This summer will be filled with Math and Reading, summer camp programs, an exchange student from Germany, 4th of July celebrations,EFY, and some relaxation.

2010-04-02T08:25:00.000-06:00

Wow! Our Spring Vacation was over in a blink. What wonderful memories we made together. I'm not sure which one is my favorite.

It was a joy to feel the excitement before we left. Did we pack everything? Would we have a ride to the airport? It was great. We did forget a few things. And we had a last minute change in who drove us to the airport. But we worried for nothing because in the end it didn't change our experience. It made for great stories afterwards.

I found a new found hope in Mankind on our trip. We found kindness in the most unexpected places.

Our first day was spent in Ft. Lauderdale. We had the most amazing hotel. The staff there was so cheerful and helpful. On an outing that day to pick up sunblock and drinks we had a frustrating event. The bag holding all our drinks ripped open. You can imagine where all the drinks ended up. Yep..busted open on the pavement. In my frustration I didn't display the best decorum. But in the midst of the chaos a young man came along and joked with us and helped us pick up the drinks that hadn't busted open. With a smile and a few jokes he had brightened our day.

On our cruise Rick and Ricky picked up a basketball game with a family from Germany. The young boy was a little older than Ricky but it turned out to be a new friend. We seemed to run in to the family almost everywhere we went. It was fun. The young boy was learning English and found it refreshing that Ricky enjoyed talking to him. At the end of the cruise the family asked us if we would be willing to host their older son as an exchange student this summer. We were quite flattered. We'll see if that works out. Some logistics...like there son is the same age as my daughter.

I love the Caribbean. It must be the weather. I had the best time in Nassau with my sister and my husband. We just walked the streets window shopping. We found some local police who were willing to stand with us and take pictures. We have been there more times than I can count, yet I find it one of my favorite places to visit. Shelby went with her uncle and cousin and they rented scouters and road around the island for the day. The straw market is always fun. I get a kick out of bargaining with them. Found a few purses, a wallet, and a few necklaces for the girls. Paid what I wanted. So much fun. Great memories.

The first few days my kids and their cousin (who is older than them) hung out and played video games together. By the end of the second night they had made friends in their kids groups and were off doing their thing. It is so nice to have cousins who love my kids. Even though there is an age difference they appreciate the kids and have always been loving and generous with them.

Our excursion we had planned in the Caymans was canceled because of bad weather. It turned out to be a great blessing. Instead of going by ourselves we spent some fun time with the whole family eating lunch and the kids got to play in a pool and dance with Grandma. We then got a taxi and went to "Hell" and a turtle farm where we got to hold turtles. The kids also got a kiss from a dolphin. All this was with my sisters family as well. Shelby was able to spend some great quality time with grandma by herself. Grandma Susie can always make her smile.

Roatan, Honduras was beautiful! We had never been there. We stood on deck as we entered the chanel to dock. It looked like paradise. Rick and Shaun took the oldest kids diving. We were a little late so they did have to wait. But once they got there and were able to dive it was a magical experience. Rick has dreamed of one day taking his kids diving. And that day arrived. Shelby had a panic attack. But all was well and she did fabulous from then on. Their cousin Brandon had never been either and he was a natural. Taylor had a wonderful experience. The diving teacher even held her hand as they swam.

Cozumel is one of my favorite places. As many times as we have been there, there is always a new adventure. This time we wanted to experience the island. We didn't want to do the tourist stuff. So we rented a jeep and drove around all day. It was the best part of the trip. We got lost. But the people were great and got us on track to see the ruins. It helps that Rick speaks spanish. wink. Rick had another dream come true. He was able to take the kids to see the ruins. We then drove to the beach on the other side of where we docked. It was awesome. As we passed people on the road they waved and we yelled Buenas! Just laying on the beach were big shells and we even picked up some brain coral. They had seen it on their diving adventure so it meant a lot to see it on the beach. We even stopped at a local restaurant to have some authentic tacos.

Grandma Susie threw Ricky a birthday party in her cabin. She ordered him two cakes and we sat and enjoyed the company and had a very memorable time. Grandma also spoiled the kids with tokens to the arcade each day. I don't think we could give her enough hugs and kisses.

When the cruise was over it was very sad. We would miss our time together with Kim, Shaun, Brandon, and Grandma and Grandpa.

I can even say it was fun standing with Kim waiting for Rick to come with the car rental. Some good jokes were told. Even the bad experience at dinner with the rude waiter was a memorable time. We stood together and stood up for what was right.

We then drove to our "hometown" of Oviedo and visited some of our best friends. The kids have been friends since they were babies. It is wonderful to be able to stay friends and visit. Dina and Scott made us feel like family while were there. Scott took the kids out on the boat, and Dina made sure we all were comfortable. When I forgot to pack shoes for the kids for church..Dina found them some. When Shelby needed a bathing suit Dina found her one. Dina even bought us our favorite drinks.

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. - Albert Schwietzer

Spring Fever

2010-03-16T07:52:00.000-06:00

Every year at this time we get Spring Fever really bad. Especially since we moved from Florida. We were outside all the time in Florida. It seemed it was easy to stay busy. Here in Utah the winters are cold. We stay in most days. It isn't just the restless kids, it's me as well. The house is clean, the school work is done, emails read, phone calls made, ...and it is noon. Now what? The kids don't want to go outside, and if they do it is for just a few minutes.

So what do we do? Instead of trudging through we looked for a new path. The curriculum we were using was monotonous for us during this time. It was awesome..but we needed something new to brighten our thoughts. I decided to do the basics, ie.. Math, Spelling, Reading. I brought out some old drawing books and had the kids spend some time drawing and illustrating. We looked up funny quotes online. We went to the library and stayed there longer than usual. We also started doing a morning devotional. I am going to start letting the kids be in charge of it.

I also decided it was time to spring clean. We spent a few days learning to organize our closets, we dug everything out from under the beds, and we vacuumed those hard to reach spaces behind the dressers. The house felt new and fresh. It did help us feel energized. And now the kids have a different view of what "clean your room" means.

We also decided to take a Spring Break this year. I usually don't have breaks. We do school year round. Keeps life orderly and sane. But this year we are taking a cruise with family and getting away.

I already feel better. I already am excited to "start" again and get more done. That's the beauty of Homeschooling. You can make things fit for you. My kids are doing great. They get quized all the time by non homeschoolers who want to prove they are dumb because they are homeschooled, and it is usually the non homeschoolers who walk away feeling dumb. So I'll stop stressing and enjoy where we are and what we are doing.

I always did walk a different path than those around me. I never had a problem doing my own thing. I want my kids to have that and "Enjoy the Journey", their journey. Not a journey others have determined "normal".

So take a break. Do what needs to get done. Drop what needs to get dropped.

In a world filled with those who aren't learning to control their lives, who are falling victims of depression and boredom, I feel we need to teach our children to take control of situations and turn them around. They need to know they can do things differently and make a happy life without following the routine or norm. When we would come to my dad or mom and say "I'm bored", their reply was "there is pletty to do. Are you sure it's not that you are boring?" My sister and I learned to find the fun, and to make "boring" times good ones. Without that ability I think it would have been easy for us to go along with some of our friends down terrible paths, looking for excitement only to find more sorrow and pain.

(1 Timothy 3:4-5 KJV)
(4) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (5) (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Enjoy the Journey

Great Art

2010-03-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

I really don't like doing art at home with the kids. I usually source that out to coops or classes offered in the community.

I found a great art teacher who posted her class about 40 miles from us. I decided to email her and see if she would be willing to come down here and teach classes. She was more than happy to come. I then sent out an email offering the class to those homeschoolers interested and we have over 10 kids coming to the art class I will host in my basement in April. The kids will learn to use watercolors and draw.

A friend posted this great Art blog that you might find helpful. I will keep it on my list just in case one of these days I get a wild hair and want to have the kid do something fun.

http://deepspacesparkle.blogspot.com/

Swimming season snap shots

2010-03-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

My family started taking swimming lessons as babies while we lived in Florida. We had a pool in our backyard and they swam constantly. So when we moved here it seemed fitting to continue our love of the pool. It took me a while to find a place. But this school year we did it.

Shelby and Taylor both swam for UVRAYS in Springville. Taylor swims for an hour every day, and Shelby swims for two hours. We love our coaches. They spend a lot of time teaching the kids the strokes and working on weaknesses. We have gone to 5 swim meets and done a great job improving our times each time. Taylor was 2 seconds from making state with her backstroke. We had a great first year! Just like the Olympics we learn in competition. It isn't always the winning. It is doing our best and feeling good about our accomplishments.
It was fun for the family to go and support the girls at meets. Sometimes there was a long wait in between the next event. But we are fortunate enough to have some creature comforts like video and games. Shelby did a lot of reading as well.

I hope I am teaching the kids to be involved. Find what you have an interest in and hopefully you have some skills in the area. Then work at it and enjoy it.

Her first dance is Prom!

2010-03-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

A great family here in Utah County have been putting a Homeschool Prom on for the past 10 years. Shelby has anticipated going ever since we moved here and heard about it. This year it was scheduled just before she turned 14. We decided to let her go since she is in 9th grade and all her peers were going. Rules are good...but there are exceptions to everyones story and life. Some might not be ready to go until 15. wink

It was her first dance. Her and her friends went to a salon and got their hair done together. It was great fun! And the excitement built. It was really hard to find a modest dress. Even here in Happy Valley. The dresses either had no sleeves or they were cut to low. Believe it or not I found her dress on Ebay. The seller had the measurements and it fit like it was made for her!

She went in and quickly found friends to hang out with. I thought about staying but decided not to. When I picked her up the first thing she said was "5 guys asked me to dance". I was so glad to hear she had a great time. Later when the story was told detail after detail it was revealed that she danced with the 5 guys more than once. Such great memories of her first dance. I wish I had stayed to take pictures. NEXT TIME!

A fun blog about homeschooling

2010-02-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

I read a blog post about how to "mix it up" during these months that seem to go on and on during the year.

Instead of copying what she said I will give you the link and you can read it.

We love games. Both board games and video games. One of our favorite board games is Qwirkle. My 9 year old loves it all the way up to my husband. Let me know your favorite. Maybe it will be a game we need to purchase.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Educational-Family-Games

Stereotypes

2010-02-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

I have heard from both home schoolers and public schooled families so many stereotypes about each other. The education, socialization, manors, etc. I have seen ugly on both sides of the fence.

We know public schooled families with illiteracy issues, who are socially disfunctional, and have manors of the Tasmanian devil. Likewise we know families who have had a lot of success in the public school environment, with kids very pleasant to be around, and who make great friends.

Home schooled families have learners at very different levels. Some are very advanced and are graduating at 16 with Associate Degrees. Some are struggling with learning road blocks like dyslexia and have problems reading and writing. Some families focus on other learning areas while the kids are elementary age. So using a measuring stick doesn't really show how much they are learning. Some home schooled kids are the best people around. Others I'd rather keep at arms length.

We have been to both social gatherings. Both groups have issues to deal with. Both can have rude kids. Both have kids who don't know how to act around others, and who are shy or don't relate to kids their own age. We have been to church events where everyone but us is in public school and have been treated terribly. Teasing, name calling, disrespect for leaders, etc. We have also been to home school events where there has been bullying and name calling as well.

To say that either is perfect would be incorrect and arrogant. It isn't a contest where I say my choice is better than yours. For our family it is better for us to home school our children right now. But I certainly would not ever want your choice to send your children away for school to be taken away from you. Nor would the decision of whether or not my children be friends with your children be based on where they receive their education or their religion for that matter. In return I'd like to see you respect our decision and not judge or stereotype us or fight our choices in legislature.

The real issue is CHOICE. Everyone wants it. Parents are ultimately responsible for the upbringing of their children. Period. Parents choose how life will be for their own children. And it should always be that way. Likewise, parents should be held accountable for their childrens outcome. Bullies and social misfits usually have those same issues at home. Where they are schooled won't change that.

Education needs to evolve. We need to be open to other options. The world is changing. Technology allows for easy access to wonderful things. Transportation allows for easy travel to visit places and people.

I wish you luck on your journey.

It's that time of year

2010-02-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year where I start evaluating what I want to do next school year. What did we like? What did we not like? What bargains can I get right now?

This year I had two kids doing K12 part time. K12 is an online program the local school system offers. We have done this program on and off for about 5 -6 years and enjoy the curriculum. This is one of the programs I think I will be dropping next year, however. Participating in this program keeps other options for the kids closed. You can only participate in one state program at a time here in Utah. Even if it is part time. There are other classes at a local charter school that the kids want to participate in. Plus there are classes that other moms are teaching that keeps us busy, as well. So I think we will go it alone next year for them.

Aleks online math has been a great program. It helped Shelby get through BYU Geometry. (Not a lot of instruction with BYU math classes). Taylor loves Aleks math. But Ricky wants to go back to Saxon Math. He finished this years math and we already started him on next years math.

I have a lot of the books Taylor and Ricky will be using next year. I am looking to get Easy Grammar for 7th grade for Taylor. Ebay has been the cheapest place to find it. I'll just look for a bargain. I have gotten it for as low as $5 in the past. (that is with shipping) Patience! I also got my Apologia Science books for about half the price last year. I start looking early and wait.

Shelby applied for admittance to Utah Valley University's High School program. Mostly to keep options open. If she can get admitted and graduate from there she can graduate with an Associates Degree at 17. However, she really enjoys Open High School of Utah and is excited they will be offering the classes she needs next year. They only offered Algebra for 9th graders this year and Shelby was taking Geometry. So we had to take it with BYU. We haven't liked BYU High School classes at all. There is no interaction with the teachers. Yes, the speed backs are open book. But we don't feel like we learn much and the final exam grades reflect that.

Also there could be Concurrent Enrollment options available with Open High School. Concurrent Enrollment is a program in Utah that allows advanced High School students the opportunity to take college courses in place of their high school classes. Instead of taking AP classes, they take a college course and get college credit. That will be a deciding factor if we have to choose this summer which program to keep her in.

Utah has a plethora of choices for home schooling families. We feel so blessed to have our children participating in great programs and learning things they most definitely wouldn't get to in another setting.

Road Blocks

2010-02-11T09:25:00.001-07:00

We have known since December that on February 14, 2010 we would be singing as a family in Sacrament at church. Shelby decided she wanted to be the one to play the piano. Oh, how excited this mother was. She started practicing the song. Wasn't perfect but she has time, was the initial thought. We did practice singing together one night during Family Home Evening.

Somewhere along the line we just pushed it out of our minds. Maybe from fear of the very thought. I said yes because the proud and excited momma took over. Of course my daughter can play well enough for Sacrament meeting. Of course our family will stand in front of 300 people and sing. We'll be great.

The reality that we aren't the Osmonds hit me this week. My daughter still stumbles on one particular part of the song in playing the piano peice. And we sound about as good as any average family. Not horrible, but certainly not good enough to sing in front of people.

We will somehow pull it together. We won't be great. People will only laugh and talk about us for a short time. It will be a good experience for the family to work together. (she keeps telling herself to reassure her that it isn't going to be as bad as she fears. lol)

My motto has always been "Just do it". But I am beginning to realize saying no isn't so bad.

Say a prayer for us!

10 tips to a positive attitude

2010-02-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

Here is what we did for our morning devotional.

Tips for a Positive Attitude

1. Remember that you can’t control other people’s actions, but you can always control your response. Life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% how we react to it. (Read 1 Peter 3:16)

2. Everyone has troubles, and God’s Word says to rejoice in those sufferings.
Difficult times are only part of life, not our whole life, so remember to thank God for the blessings, while dealing with the issues. (Read 1 Peter 1:6-7)

3. Pray for God to help you do a self examination to see if you are harboring any seeds of negativity and pessimism in your heart, and if God reveals something to you that needs improvement, pray for His strength, courage and ability to deal with the root causes for those emotions, and fill your heart with God’s love instead. (Read Ephesians 4:26-27)

4. Regardless of what may have happened in your life, do not live your life as a victim. Strive to achieve the victor mentality that God empowers us to have through His strength. Make the choice today, and one day at a time, to have a positive attitude, and look for the good things in your life and future, not just the unfortunate things from the past. (Read Ephesians 2:22-24)

5. If you are unhappy about things or circumstances in your life, pray for God to change those things if it is within His will, and then expect to begin seeing Him at work. Remember that nothing is impossible with God. (Read Proverbs 3:5-6, and Mark 10:27)

6. Believe that God redeems you, despite your past, and that He loves you, despite your pain. Remember there is always a purpose for our pain. (Read Psalm 130:3)

7. Focus on gratitude. Spend some time listing all of the good things in your life, and all the blessings God has given you. Pray and ask God to help you have a heart of gratitude. Focus on Him, and not the things of the world. (Read Hebrews 12:28, and 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

8. Stop letting other people's negative attitudes affect yours. Negative attitudes can be contagious. Ask yourself - is my attitude worth catching?Then ask God to help you change your attitude, and be strong in your optimism even when the people around are you are not being that way. The key to success lies in the asking. (Read Philippians 2:5)

9. Stop thinking that you don't measure up. Comparing ourselves to others is a sure-fire recipe for self condemnation, defeat and low self esteem. Remember that you were made in the image of God, beautiful, unique and precious. (Read 2 Corinthians 10:12, and Psalm 139:14)

10. Just breathe, and believe that God knows the desires of your heart. He knows of your desire to have a Christ-like attitude; that you try, but often fail; that you need strength, guidance, healing and forgiveness. His mercies are renewed every day. Trust in His grace and mercy. (Read Psalm 139:1-4, Lamentations 3:21-22, and 1 Corinthians 4:16-17)

Opportunities are endless

2010-01-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

The kids were so fortunate enough to participate in a ski program put together by a good friend of ours for home school kids. The public school are offered the same program and our friend was able to get it offered to homeschoolers. So every Friday in January they have gotten to get two hours of ski instruction and then have the rest of the day to ski on their own. The opportunity has given them and me the chance to grow.

One of the big reasons we decided to Home School our 3 children was so they could have more opportunities. We are so blessed to have so many choices. I only wish more parents realized what is out there and believed in themselves as parents that they are capable of providing it to their children. One more step to being self sufficient.

If you are looking for a great High School choice for your kids Open High School of Utah is accepting registration for next year for 9th and 10th graders. Shelby has really enjoyed it.

Sports programs are teaching our kids to be mediocre

2010-01-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

I coach my son's 4th grade basketball team. We have great boys on our team. They all have different levels of ability, yet they all have the same desire to improve and learn the game. I think that is the big reason I drafted them on my team. One thing I really have problems with is society teaching our children to be mediocre.

An example of that is not enforcing all the rules in a game. I really hate to hear people say "they are only 10". Well when do you expect them to learn to actually play the real game?

In 4th grade basketball in our town the coaches are on the court coaching and they officiate. I call fouls both ways. I call for traveling, ups and downs, double dribble, shooting fouls, etc. Today a coach for the opposing team actually said "Oh come on they are only 10, let them play", after I called his player for jumping up and down with the ball more than one time. "Really" I said to him. "When do you suggest we have the boys learn the rules to the game?" I got an eye roll.

Later in the game my son was defending the person throwing the ball in. He was doing just what I had taught him to do. He was jumping up and down and waving his arms to impede the view of the offensive boy throwing it in. Simple really. The other coach proceeds to tell my son he needs to step back 3 feet so his player can throw the ball in. I told him that isn't a rule.

So my team learns how to properly defend the ball and we are told because the other guy can't get it in that we need to step back. Whatever!

Oh and get this. They don't keep score. No winner or loser. What is the point. In life we need to learn how to win and how to lose. Life isn't all warm and fussy. I know everyone wants a chance, but when do we expect our children to work hard for what they want. It seems having everything "equal" and "fair" all the time breeds mediocrity.

It isn't just with city sports for our kids. It IS where it starts however. We don't let the players who actually have skills play to their potential.

One big reason I pulled my oldest daughter out of kindergarten was because she was told she couldn't read at school because the other children weren't reading yet and she needed to do what they were doing, which was learning letters. Rediculous! It's the same thing not playing by the rules in sports.

Next colleges won't be able to refuse admission because "it isn't fair that everyone can't go".

Great quotes to keep motivating you in your childs education

2010-01-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

"In many places it is literally not safe physically for youngsters to go to school. And in many schools - and its becoming almost generally true - it is spiritually unsafe to attend public schools." Boyd K. Packer (BYU Symposium, Oct. 1996)

Why I homeschool: "there is a big difference between sending fully trained disciples into enemy territory and sending recruits to our enemy's training camp. If we do the latter, we shouldn't be surprised when they come home wearing the enemy's uniform and charging the hill of our home waving an enemy flag." Voddie Baucham, Jr.

“…you cannot give people of any age license to do whatever they feel like doing, even though it is right and good for them to make free choices. The constraints of what a person ought to do and should do may not be removed. Also knowledge fits into a hierarchy according to what is most worthwhile to know. It is reckless to destroy the distinction between the worthwhile and the trivial, to lose what is of enduring quality…” Susan Shafer Macaulay

"I am willing that every man shall believe what he wishes, print what he wishes, and say what he wishes within his Constitutional rights, but I am not willing that he shall exploit all his idiosyncrasies in teaching my flesh and blood, while I pay the bill! I insist that he shall have all the personal freedom he can carry, but I am not willing to extend that full and complete freedom into a gross license and then pay him to abuse that license to distort and debase the minds and hearts and bodies of those who belong to me and are dearer to me than life itself. " --- J. Reuben Clark

"Let us never lose sight of the fact that education is a preparation for life -- and that preparing for life is far more than knowing how to make a living or how to land on the moon. Preparing for life means building personal integrity, developing a sound sense of values, increasing the capacity and willingness to serve. Education must have its roots in moral principles. If we lose sight of that fact in our attempt to match our educational system against that of the materialists *, we shall have lost far more than we could possibly gain."

--Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 297

"If children are to be brought up in the way they should go, to be good citizens here and happy hereafter, they must be taught. It is idle to suppose that children will grow up good, while surrounded with wickedness, without cultivation. It is folly to suppose that they can become learned without education." (Joseph Smith, Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 273)

"A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty can be more pressing ... than ... communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?" -- George Washington

Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Her children arise up, and call her blessed...Proverbs 31:28

Daily Plan

2010-01-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have often been asked "what do you do during the day". I guess because it is "home" school, and most people play games and lay around at home, there is the misconception that not much gets done during the day. And new home schooling moms ask that question to see if they are doing enough or if what they are doing is what others are doing.

I thought about the road to where we are now and our routines have changed every year to meet learning styles and schedules.

We have always gotten up early and done chores before our school day has started. Every child has made their own bed since they were 4 or 5 (not beautifully mind you..but it was done). They also have a list of chores that they are responsible for that needs to be done in the morning. Laundry, bathrooms, etc. Music practice is also done before we start our school day. Each child takes a turn on the piano for 20-30. Now the house is fresh and there seems to be a nice atmosphere to start our day.

We do start our school day off with family prayer and we check our schedules for the day. Dad likes to keep up with what is going on. wink.

Every kid has a list of subjects that needs to be completed that day, whether I have one written out for them or the curriculum program we are using provides one for them. This has helped out with my reluctant son. This also coincides with counsel to set goals. Each kid has a "goal" for the day. After they meet that goal their time is theirs, so to speak. This has really worked well for us. The kids work harder, and have a since of accomplishment when they are done.

All my kids are active in sports. My daughters are swimmers and practice every afternoon. My son plays football, baseball, and right now he is playing basketball (I coach his team ). So we are busy until dinner most nights.

I feel incredibly blessed to stay home with my children. They are wonderful human beings that enrich my life every day.

Notebooking Pages

2009-12-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

I have a great website for you if you like Notebooking. Notebooking is a way to get your kids to write and have fun.

http://www.notebookingpages.com

This site has so many things to choose from. Some things are free to print off while others have a fee. Usually the fee is under $5.

My kids love these pages.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2009-12-28T12:04:00.001-07:00

Christmas time is my favorite time of the year. I love the excitement in the air. I love the music. I love hiding presents. (Although everyone in the house knows where I hide stuff). This year I took the girls shopping with me. It was so nice to see them so interested in finding gifts for each other. Taylor had a gift in mind for me but didn't have enough money. Well dear Shelby didn't want her to not be able to get it so she gave her some of her babysitting money to buy it. When I found out I almost cried. Love.

Rick got a kit for the kids to make a ginger bread house this year. Ricky and Taylor decided they were going to do it all on their own. It turned out awesome. Ricky also got to make one at scouts so he figured he knew what he was doing.

It snowed just after Thanksgiving and the kids couldn't wait to go out and play. Snow angels and forts are their favorite things to make. The snow didn't last long though. And we weren't lucky enough to have fresh snow for Christmas. Last year we had over a foot.

Christmas Eve came and the kids asked all day if they could open a present. Grandma Susie usually calls to tell us to let them open one of her presents. But this year they had to wait until after dinner. We opened presents from my side of the family and from each other on Christmas Eve this year.

We played our new favorite game "Qwirkle". Rick asks everyday if we can play. I have to admit it is a lot of fun.
We also played new games we got. Shelby and Taylor got dad Mario Kart for Wii.

There is always one person who seems to get all the presents they were hoping for. We say "it's so and so's year". We this year it was Rick's year! (it is always the kids year). We said we weren't getting each other big presents this year. We put a porch on the house and got new cell phones. Well I knew he wanted a new leather jacket, sooo...
He got me a very nice pair of earrings.

Christmas morning came and everyone wanted to see what 'Santa' had left them.
We had so much fun together just us this year. We played games together, watched movies, laughed and hugged. Rick played a joke on Ricky and kept his Santa present in the garage. After the girls opened their gift, we waited to see what Ricky's expressions would be with no gift for him. He was so wonderful. He didn't say a thing, and was excited for Taylor to finally get the phone she had been asking for. Rick then asked Ricky to help him get something in the garage, and took him out to see his gift. He was pleasantly surprised to see a Trampoline.
Christmas morning we had the kids pack up their favorite toys and we headed over to Rick's parents house for the day. Al had made a big breakfast, and we watched a movie and played games. Around 2 the other family members started showing up and we had dinner with everyone.Thanks to everyone who gave us treats and sent us their family Christmas Cards. You helped make us feel special and loved this Christmas Season!

That's not fair

2009-12-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

How many times a day do we hear from our kids "that's not fair", or "sister/brother got to do it, why can't I"? At our house...more times than I'd like.

My response every time is life isn't fair. You wouldn't want to live your brother's life and he wouldn't want to live yours. (They love that response.)

One of the benefits of homeschooling is we get to teach our children that life isn't fair, and they shouldn't expect it to be. Along with learning styles being different in each child, they have different talents and interests. One child is great at story telling, another is great at cooking, and another is a great athlete. They'll all probably chase after different interests in their lives. They'll have different friends, different types of spouses, different income levels, etc. So getting the same thing all the time wouldn't be satisfying at all.

I'm glad we get to discuss this frequently and often at our house. No one will be getting the same gifts for Christmas this year. They are different people with different interests and wants. I didn't spend the same amount of money. A teenager often needs and wants more expensive things than a 9 year old. But they won't care, because we don't keep score.

Unwrapping gifts is an event at our house. We unwrap one at a time. We want to see what the other person got. We want to see their excitement. It is loud and there are a lot of 'uhhh's and Ahhs and Cool!'s". We hope the other person really got what they hoped for. We really love to see the smiles and hear the laughter.

May this year we understand that things aren't and shouldn't be fair, and we Bloom where we are planted and love the garden we are in.

Whistle while we work

2009-12-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

http://thetaleofourquest.blogspot.com/2009/10/teaching-kids-to-work-part-1-why.html

This is a great article that goes along with this months ensign talks about the value of work.

Finding a good tool to teach children to work is always hard. We have daily chores and we expect the kids to help out when we ask, without fussing. I like the idea of "kid of the week". Maybe you'll see a post of who made it.

Tis the season

2009-12-14T08:26:00.001-07:00

I love Christmas. I love shopping, I love decorating, I love wrapping, I love the music, I love the stories, I love it all.

I was blessed this year to get tickets to see the Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City this year. I have tried for 3 years with no luck. I know you can see it televised. But I have always wanted to go. It was so worth it. The kids really took everything in. And after we walked on Temple Square and enjoyed the nativity scene and the beautiful lights.

The words spoken by the kids is what was priceless to me. I have seen the lights. I have been in the Conference Center. But to hear Shelby say.."I'm gonna pay more attention to Conference now that I have been here. It will seem more real and meaningful". Or have Taylor and Ricky so excited to get their picture taken in front of the SLC temple and the lights. Priceless. Or having Ricky ask me why the Shepherds are important in the Christmas story and seeing this wonderful scene and telling him on Temple Square..Priceless.

Christmas is the same way. I know who santa is. I have read the story of the Savior's birth many times. I get you a gift...you get me one. But to see the excitement in a child's eye is Priceless.

Some say Christmas is to commercial and don't want to participate. Bah Hum Bug! But I know the effort you put into getting a present for that special someone makes them feel loved. That you took the time to make, buy, or share something with them, makes them feel loved and cared about.

The Christmas spirit is sharing Christ's love with others. A dozen cookies to your neighbor you generally just wave to, a Christmas card to cousins and uncles you rarely see, taking the time to find exactly what you daughter and mother wanted this year, doing you visiting teaching for the first time this year, all show people around you that you love them. That the world would be empty without them. I know how special I feel when someone goes out of their way and does any of these things. I feel special. I feel Christ's love.

Merry Christmas

Much Ado About Nothing

2009-12-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Friday I took the kids to Utah Valley University (UVU) to see Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing". I knew my 13 yr old would enjoy it. But wasn't sure about the other two. My 11 year old went down to Cedar City for the Shakespeare festival and came back wanting to take a Shakespeare class next year. So this would be a good time to see if she was still interested. HeHe.

The actors/actresses did a wonderful job. We laughed so hard at Benedict and Beatrice. All three kids had their favorite parts. There was a study guide given out at Intermission. My 9 year old loved the page with Shakespearean insults. Later that weekend he and his sister sat in the back seat of the van and showed dad how it is done. LOL.

From now on I'm not going to be afraid to do things, or wonder if they will enjoy it. Life is learning, and you learn from all the experiences you have.

Alice in Wonderland, ballroom dance, and Shakespeare!

2009-11-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Taylor and Ricky were lucky enough to be in Keystone Arts Academy's Children s play "Alice in Wonderland". The kids were "wonderful"!

Ricky played Louis Carrol and had a big part in the beginning and at the end of the play. He had a lot of lines to memorize. He dug right in and memorized them all on his own. 9 years old. Such a big boy. wink.

Taylor was a story teller. She sat on a stool and had lines all through the play. She also had a lot of lines to memorize, and did it all on her own.

Shelby and Taylor took a ballroom dance class on Thursdays at Keystone. We had the best teacher. Angela Davis agreed to teach our class and it was a favorite by far. I must say Shelby is quite the dancer.

Shelby's Shakespeare group performed for the parents after the ballroom demo. They were great. Even if a few lines were dropped...hehehehehe.

Math tools

2009-11-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

Last year we were fortune enough to come across an online math program that really fit for our family. We have tried a variety of programs. But never felt the warm fuzzy we were looking for.

Here is the link http://www.aleks.com/ .

My kids don't fuss about doing their math anymore. We have a set number of "areas" the kids must finish in a day, but they always do more. The program offers K - 12 with Algebra, Geometry, Trig, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus, as well as Statistics for high school.

Keystone Arts Academy offers the material at a big discount. You don't have to be a member of the school to participate. Here is their website http://keystone.m3th.org/ .

Blast off.....allmost.

2009-11-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

In our Astronomy class Tuesday we tried to launch rockets. I say tried because the plastic containers wouldn't cooperate. We managed to get 3 rockets to go up as they were designed to. The best laid plans....

I wish I had taken some cool pictures. But I was frantically trying to get the rockets to launch.

I am so thankful for the experience of teaching this class. I always say I learn more than the kids do. Not just the book stuff, but planning and being flexible. Type A personalities don't really like to be flexible. LOL.

Skating parties are so much fun!

2009-11-02T06:27:00.001-07:00

Shelby is the very tall girl on the left. She does have skates on though. No costume for her. She was still deciding if she had out grown dressing up for Halloween or not. She ended up throwing on a costume and going out with a friend trick or treating.

Taylor and Ricky seem to like to dress up alike. They both went as soldiers this year. No picture of Ricky. His to busy playing arcade games.

Thank you to Kim Kehrer for planning this years Halloween skating party at Classic Skate in Orem. We always have a great time.

Knights of Freedom

2009-10-29T13:07:00.001-06:00

Ricky really enjoys this group. They do a lot of really fun "boy" activities.

What is Knights of Freedom you ask? If you google it you will find a video game with that name. That is not what I am talking about.

Knights of Freedom offers boys ages 8-12 an exciting opportunity to study the lives of American leaders through colloquia, learn about virtues through the model of knighthood, and statesmanship through hands-on experiences.

Ricky's favorite part is sparing. His leader has them write every week in a journal about what they did in their last meeting and about the book they are studying. If they do this they get to spare. It has been a great motivator! The boys also take turns with presentations of things they are learning or have an interest in.

This is a picture of Ricky and his friends bread they made. Creative minds thought "lets make BYU in bread dough and eat it". Very fun group!

Football Season!

2009-10-21T14:31:00.000-06:00

I had to post this video of Ricky playing football.

Ricky is #3 in the gold jersey.

Shakespeare Rocks!

2009-10-16T07:42:00.000-06:00

If you ever get a chance to study Shakespeare..DO IT!. The last two years Shelby has taken a class and participated in a group doing Shakespeare pieces. She has learned so much!

This weekend we were blessed to travel to Cedar City and perform at the High School Shakespeare competition. We had such a great time. Our partner was so much fun to spend the afternoon with Friday as we waited in three different place to perform in front of 3 different judges. The judges were so wonderful. We got the best feedback. They really want the kids to enjoy Shakespeare.

Now our group is looking into becoming a Troupe that performs during the year for various groups.

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
As You Like It Act 2, scene 7, 139–143

We love Astronomy Class!

2009-10-14T07:08:00.000-06:00

The boys in the group sitting down to work on their journals.

This summer as I was trying to decide what we were going to be doing in the Fall, Taylor told me she wanted to study the Solar System. So I started looking around. I had seen this great book at a friends house before so I went online to get a better look.

I decided to expand on what Taylor wanted. We were going to study Astronomy! Then I got this great idea. Let's invite some kids over to do the labs and projects together. It's always more fun to do that stuff in a group. Not to mention, makes me follow throw and not just "forget about it".

I posted to our favorite groups that I wanted to have a class with 10 kids. I got back double that. I had to go with the first families that replied. (It pays to watch your email like a hawk around July-Sept). We have a group of 12 kids and we LOVE IT!

We are using Apologia Exploring Creation with Astronomy. The writers of this curriculum are wonderful. It was just what we were looking for. It is written for the kids to read on their own. There is a Journal that goes with it. A must have. It has great questions to answer, writing opportunities, projects to do, word puzzles, and more.

Next time I will definitely look at this curriculum for our next class. You can join us if you want!
Yesterday we studied Mars. We explored the atmosphere there and ideas of what we would need to survive if we build an EcoSphere there. The kids made their own EcoSphere. They were so creative. Not only did they have a water source, but they build water purification systems. Not only did they have gardens, but they had chickens for eggs. Then someone mentioned Ostrich eggs were bigger and could feed more people so they added that. Some things they came up with were shelter for privacy, a bathroom with a purification system to reuse "all liquids" , gardens, trees for more oxygen, flowers, torches for light, and bees to polinate.

This was a simple project we did when we did the section on the Moon. We dropped "meteorites" from "space" and watched at the "craters" they made on the "moon". (pebbles in a bowl of flower).

Great Stuff!

2009-10-07T18:54:00.000-06:00

I want to start blogging about the wonderful things we are doing this year, and the wonderful webpages that inspire me. We are going to be making Mini Office's for the kids and I found a great website to share.

http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Mini%20Office%20Lapbook

I spent half an hour just looking at all her great ideas!

Did you stand?

2009-09-01T09:49:00.001-06:00

Did You Stand?
May 20, 2005

I was sitting the other day in a crowded airport, waiting for a boarding call on my flight to

As I sat there , I noticed an old man sitting across from me facing the large picture window that gave passengers a view of the runway. The history of a life of hardship traced the old mans eyes as they stared into the twilight of his years, and as I watched, I saw tears rolling from those ancient steel gray eyes, leaving a trail of sadness that tore at my heart. I got up and walked to him and asked if I could join him. Without even looking up to identify me, he nodded, and I sat down, feeling awkward but intensely drawn to him in compassion for his quiet tears.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but notice you sitting here alone. Are you ok?" I asked.

There was a deafening silence suddenly between us, for what seemed a long time, and finally he spoke in a voice that was worn and weary with age."Did you stand when she walked by?" he asked.

I was confused by his question, and a bit taken off guard by the tone of his voice that sounded almost accusatory.

"I don't understand sir, , I answered."Did you stand when she walked by?" he asked again, staring straight into my eyes. "Who?" I asked him. But he turned away from me, staring again at the tarmac just outside our window.

I waited for an answer, but there was not going to be any. Our conversation was over it seemed, and I got up to leave, hearing the call to board that by this time, was welcome as an excuse to get out of an awkward situation.

I started walking away, but was troubled and torn by his question. I boarded my plane after clearing the gate, found my seat , and settled into it, looking back at the terminal I had just left. He was there as I had left him, sitting alone facing the tarmac.

I watched for several minutes, and in that time I noticed a number of people stop to visit with him, presumably to ask if he was ok, and then walk away, some of them shaking there heads, others just gone from view at a brisk pace. And still he sat , fixated on a plane that was resting about 300 yards away, surrounded by military personnel.

As I watched, a small procession of 6 men carried a flag draped coffin away from the plane to a waiting hearse, where they stood after the rear door of the black car had been closed and they offer a salute as the car slowly drove away. I looked back toward the window of the terminal, and instantly my tears nearly blinded me when I saw the old man I had been talking to also offering a salute, but from his wheel chair now parked next to the window.

Since our craft had used a rolling stair gantry for passenger access, I got up, and made my way to the door of the plane, and got off. I walked deliberately, heading for the terminal, making my way through the crowds to the old man at the window. I walked up beside him, faced the plane as yet another coffin draped with Old Glory was placed in a waiting hearse, and I slowly raised my hand in salute, allowing my hand to drop only when the hearse rolled out of view around a security fence.

I turned slowly to the old man who by now was looking solidly into my soul with eyes of countless memories.

"I know her name now sir, and I stood when she walked by."

He was visibly moved, and he said to me in quavering voice ,"Thank you sir . . . for what you did. My greatest wish these days is to stand again for her, but I can't."

I gave my legs in '43 and my oldest son in '67 to that Lady, so she could keep walking. It hurts when no one cares that she walks by.

I missed my flight that day, but my heart and soul found wings to the heavens on the words of an 90 year old man who dared to share a heart full of memories with me and dared to remind me why Old Glory stills waves as the beacon of Hope in a lost world.

2009-07-22T09:03:00.000-06:00

Summer has gone by so fast. We have been blessed to do so much this year. It is so wonderful to have so many opportunities for the kids to experience the world around them.

One of the things I didnt' blog about this summer were the birds. A robin laid 4 eggs in a nice nest in our tree out in front of the house. The kids were so excited to watch the eggs every day to see if they had hatched. The magical day arrived. The little babies were out. Ricky first saw them and right away said "Oh! They are ugly...well...that's nature." Every day we would go out the front door to look at the eggs. Mom and Dad Robin would dive bomb us the first week or so. But soon got accustomed to our family and trusted we were not a harm to their babies. Next, the babies heads popped up with mouths wide open. Just waiting to be fed. (This gave more meaning to the camp song we would sing at girls camp when I was young.."Here we sit like birds in the wilderness..birds in the wilderness..birds in the wilderness..waiting to be fed.") We were very fortunate to be outside in the swing when one of the birds took a nice leap and flew out of the nest. It was so exciting. We had to watch it for a while to make sure it was okay, and curiosity wanted to know where it would go.

Summer time is wonderful here in Utah. A simple game of spies, or tag, or riding scooters and skateboards is like a dream come true. Green grass, flowers beds, and the sprinklers that water them are the best playgrounds. Friendship is rekindled with those we don't see during the snow bound months. May we all keep these wonderful memories to keep us warm inside during the long winter.

Here is a fun poem

I'm dreaming of warm sandy beaches.
I'm dreaming of days by the pool.
I'm dreaming of fun in the afternoon sun,
and week after week of no school.

I'm thinking of swim suits and sprinklers,
imagining lemonade stands.
I'm lost in a daydream of squirt guns and ice cream
and plenty of time on my hands.

I'm picturing baseball and hot dogs,
Envisioning games at the park,
and how it stays light until late every night,
and seems like it never gets dark.

I long to ride skateboards and scooters.
I want to wear t-shirts and shorts.
I'd go for a hike, or I'd ride on my bike,
or play lots of summertime sports.

My revery turns to a yearning
to draw on the driveway with chalk.
It's really a bummer to daydream of summer
while shoveling snow from the walk.

We love to celebrate the 4th!

2009-07-06T10:29:00.000-06:00

I have always loved the 4th of July. Here in Utah Valley it is huge. This year we purchased tickets to the Stadium of Fire once again. It is a huge show put on by the Freedom Festival here in Provo. It is put on in BYU's football stadium. We had such a great time!Shelby looking for her seat after singing back up for Glen Beck

This year Shelby had the opportunity to sing in the Stadium of Fire choir. The sang back up to Glen Becks commentary at the beginning, and sang while the fireworks went off. She had a great time and met a few new people, which is always fun.

Oh yeah..and the Jonas Brothers performed! It was the best concert ever. We had Taylor and Ricky in the stands with us and Shelby was on the field with her choir. We sang almost every song. I don't remember having more fun with the kids.

You can just tell how amazing it was by the big smiles on our faces.Happy Birthday America!

Our vacation with Mom and Dad

2009-06-07T09:30:00.000-06:00

From the time we left the house for the airport we had a great time. Thanks to the Davis' for taking us to the airport at the last minute :P We enjoyed the hotel in Orlando. It was exciting to be in Florida. We woke up and called grandma to find out where they were. Took the rental to Cape Canaveral. Did a bit of shopping before we went to the boat. Forgot suntan lotion and sunglasses. Looked for grandma and grandpa the whole time we were in line checking in on the boat. Met them up on deck 9 for lunch. After lunch went to our rooms to get luggage out of the hallways and unpack. It was awesome to see our rooms. The kids got two bunk beds. Not to worry...Shelby gave the top bunks to Taylor and Ricky. Thanks for sharing! We had so much fun checking things out the first day, the kids didn't even go to Camp Carnival that first night. Our waiter was from Romania. At first we thought he was a bit stiff. But not to worry..we loosened him up.

Our waiters got Taylor and Shelby up to dance with them during the show at dinner time on the 3rd night.

The next day was a day at sea. The kids went to their Camps and had a great time meeting new people from all over. Of course when they found out we were from Utah, the next question was...Are you Mormon? Ricky made a friend from Atlanta who turned out to be LDS, too. They didn't find that out until like the 3rd day. On the first day at sea the kids also discovered the water slide. The line was short so they stayed outside a good part of the afternoon.

On Monday we stopped in Grand Turks. Of course we made our way to the buffet for breakfast first. Had a great morning eating with Grandma and Grandpa. Then we all went down to get off and go explore Grand Turks. We did a little shopping first. Grandpa felt bad for Ricky because his shoes were giving him a blister. So he got him a nice pair of flip flops. Everything here was over priced so we did a lot of looking. We went to Margaritaville there. We got there early. Hardly anyone there yet. The kids had a great spot in the pool, while we got a nice table with an umbrella and sat and drank in the atmosphere. We were there about an hour or so. Then we went to the beach and mom and dad went back on the boat. Right after we left it really filled up. The pool ended up being standing room only. LOL. At the beach the Taylor and Ricky found some big shells. The video guy from the boat was there and they ended up on the video of the trip. Rick took the kids snorkling a little bit there. The water was so clear. This is when I realized my camera battery was dead. So no picks.

Oh...did we get sunburned!

Tuesday was in Jamaica. This stop for me was wonderful. I didn't expect Jamaica to be so colorful and beautiful. Our driver took us up into the rain forest called Fern Gully. I didn't even know Jamaica had a rain forest. It was such an education for us. Ricky asked a lot of questions about the poverty he saw. I think for the first time he realized just how much we have. He said he was glad to live in America.

We went shopping at the Flea Market. Wow! You could hardly take a step without venders in your face trying to get you to come to their "booth". Ricky found a wooden turtle he wanted. The man carved his name on it. I found tshirts and a nice trivet, and Rick found a beautiful wooden box. We also got some necklaces they locals had made.
On Wednesday was probably one of the most memorable days of the trip. We were in Grand Cayman. We of course went and had breakfast with grandma and grandpa. We then made our way down to disembark with them. We found a small little "park". It was Ft. George. I was so proud of my kids. They went on their own and read the signs to find out what happened there. I get teased all the time because no matter where we go, I turn it into some kind of learning trip. We have to read all the signs with information on them. Now they are stopping on their own. (snif, wink).Taylor even video taped it!

We wanted to get some great deals while we were in the Caymans. We went with grandma and grandpa to a handbag store. I found a great purse! Can't wait to show everyone. Mom found some really great buys, and got Shelby and bag. And of course we had to get t shirts!

We went swimming with stingrays. Our tour guide was amazing. He would catch them and give you a chance to hold one. Ricky was very scared at first. But after a while Rick was able to calm him down and get him to swim with him.Here I am holding one. I was a bit scared. Rick did a great job getting this shot from the boat. I however didn't do as great of job when it was his turn.
I couldn't get my camera to focus that far away. But he was great with the kids. He deserves the best dad award. He made sure all three kids got a great opportunity to hold the stingrays. He was always right there with them, encouraging them, cheering for them, and helping them.
Thanks honey for all you did for us on this trip. You made dreams come true!

The next two days were days at sea. We went to art auctions and learned a lot about the art work. Came home with a few catch phrases. Who's the artist, who's the artist? We also did a bit of putt putt golf with the kids.Shelby enjoyed a little bit of freedom and enjoyed spending time with new friends in her camp. Here is a picture of them taking a lunch break.
This was the best vacation ever! I was so sad to have it all end.

Second Place!

2009-05-25T20:46:00.001-06:00

Second Place ain't so bad for his very first Pinewood Derby. He dreamed about it. He could wait to go. Last year our ward was brand new and didn't do one, and he was so disappointed.

The wait was well worth it. He had so much fun. One of his good buddies got first. Ricky was really happy for him.

Now we just need to get a shelf and frame for that second place car and certificate!

Pinewood Derby here we come!

2009-05-15T09:22:00.000-06:00

The Pinewood Derby is finally coming to our ward. It has been much awaited! Rick took Ricky out to the saw and let him cut out his car design. Ricky first had it all drawn out on paper. He knew exactly what he wanted. Next came time to paint it. Ricky knew it had to be Red! Then they had the wheels put on.

Ricky can't wait for Tuesday! He is even going to miss a Baseball game to be at his First Pinewood Derby!

To prepare he watched the move "Down and Derby". He made sure dad didn't "do to much".

We have a lot going on that night..it is also Shelby's opening night of "Taming of the Shrew". But dad will have camera in hand to make sure all the great moments are captured!

Shelby is a teenager!

2009-05-03T12:32:00.000-06:00

Shelby wanted to go to PrimRose Retreat for her birthday. She invited he best friends for a great time.
They dressed up and walked the cat walk. They had a great time goofing off and helping each other come up with great outfits. It is such a blessing to have such great girls in Shelby's life.
It was fun to watch the girls have a lot of "good clean fun". Karaoke was got some of the "quieter" girls up having some fun.
Mani/Pedi's for everyone! This was some of the girls first time at the spa getting nails done. We loved every bit of it.

Thanks to all the great girls for helping make turning a teenager so much fun for Shelby!

The Heralders Choir

2009-05-03T12:27:00.000-06:00

Shelby has wanted to sing in a choir for so long. She loves to sing, and has a beautiful voice. The choir went to the Thomas Jefferson Education convention and performed there. These are pictures of their family concert. Next they will be doing "Seusical the Musical".

American Girls

2009-04-14T08:53:00.000-06:00

Taylor joined a book club this month. It is an American Girl group. They are starting with Felicity. Taylor had a great time with the girls. Getting Taylor excited about reading is a feat in itself. She hurried and read the first book so she would be ready. This week the girls discussed the first book, Williamsburg (looking at a city map), 13 original colonies, idiomatic expressions, and built a character profile of Felicity.

Chain of Love

2009-04-06T09:18:00.000-06:00

My friend, Saedi, posted this on her blog and I participated with the promise that I would keep the chain going. So here it goes...The first five people to comment on this post will get something in the mail (or hand delivered) from me. My friend promised something homemade, but I can't guarantee that, so it might be semi-homemade...who knows? It will be though, I can promise that. The catch is that if you are one of the five to comment, you do have to post a similar post on your blog. This keeps us all busy and thinking of others. Hope you decide to participate!!!

Dreams really do come true. Ours came wrapped in Baby Blue!

2009-03-15T07:41:00.001-06:00

Today Ricky is 9 years old.

I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. We were so excited to be having a boy. Knowing that this might be the last baby, and having two girls, we were excited to be blessed with this wonderful baby boy.

Ricky is such a great kid. He is thoughtful and kind. He is strong. He knows that his Heavenly Father loves him. He is a great brother and friend. We are so blessed to have him in our family. We enjoy his enthusiasm for life. Every day is wonderful in his eyes, and even the simple things are exciting to him. He loves to make all things a fun game. He smiles all the time and we can't help but smile with him.

Yesterday we had a party for him with 7 of his good buddies. Of course he wanted it to be a football party. So I went to Oriental Trading company (love it) and we found a couple of games to start the party off with. Then we had a good old fashioned two hand touch football game in our backyard. It was a really great time. This morning he is up early putting together a lego gift he got from his friends (who are brothers) Dallin and Chris Bunker. He can't wait to go shopping and spend the money Grandma Susie sent him.

He is truly spoiled. But what really was special to him was how much everyone around him cared about him. He was so excited to read Grandma's card. It was a Looney Tunes card and he loved that. He read the words inside and smiled so big. He feels so loved by those around him, and I thank you for being such an import part in his life.

We love you Ricky!

Nobody else like him, he's unique - - this one. How fortunate we are that he is our son.

Building bug

2009-03-09T14:25:00.000-06:00

All three kids started an Inventions class last week and came home with the building bug. Ricky and Taylor have been in the basement building this TeePee. It has a kitchen with a "fire". I love that they want to use their imaginations and build. They used the spare wood that was in the basement. The put boxes down so it has a floor. They didn't use any nails. They got it to stand up on its own.

Soldier Hollow cross country skiing

2009-03-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

Well I have tried to teach my kids to always be willing to try new things. So when the opportunity came for us to try cross country skiing...off we went.

To quote Ricky, "Cross country skiing is a lot different than down hill skiing."

We had different ideas about it. Ricky hated it. He said it was to much work. Taylor thought it was alright. I thought if we had some lessons it might have gone better. Shelby went out with some of her friends, and even though she wasn't as good as they were, she didn't quit and had a good time of it.

Blue and Gold Banquet

2009-02-25T08:56:00.001-07:00

Our ward held their Blue and Gold Banquet for the Cub Scouts last night. They did such a great job decorating the gym. We had such a great turn out.

Ricky received another silver arrow and he earned his "Leave No Trace" badge. We are so proud of him. He loves Scouts.(Ricky likes to make funny faces for pictures)

Rick can't wait to get started on his Bear requirements. But Ricky won't do anything until next week "when he is officially a Bear". He takes the honesty thing seriously. XXXOOO

Friday night Hockey games!

2009-02-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

Grandpa K had tickets to a Hockey game in SLC and took Rick, Taylor, and Ricky. (Shelby was babysitting instead). The game was fun. Ricky and Taylor wanted to see a famous Hockey Fight, but no luck. They even chanted "Fight, Fight, Fight" at one point hoping to see something.

They learned that here in Utah the refs. don't let the players fight. They break it up and/or give penalties. They announced that there were scouts there watching the players.

It was a lot of fun to go with Grandpa. They can't wait for the next adventure.

Valentine activities

2009-02-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

This year was a lot of fun. It started off with our Stakes Daddy Daughter Dance. Rick and Shelby had a great time. Rick wanted there to be more daddy daughter dancing, but still enjoyed the time with Shelby.

Thursday at Keystone the kids handed out Valentines to their good friends.

Friday we went Skating at Classic Skate with about 200 hundred other homeschoolers. We decorated boxes to collect our Valentines in. That was fun for the kids. (I hate arts and crafts) They picked out paper from my scrapbook collection and clued it to their boxes. They looked spectacular. (Sorry...slacking in the picture department). They came home with their boxes full of Valentines. They love to go to Skating Parties. It was fun to see them skating around with friends, making chains, winning games, etc. Brought back a lot of memories of my childhood. Rick skated in that same rink when he was a kid.

Rick took me out to dinner Friday night. It was so wonderful. We love to go to the Chef's Table in Orem. We got a table right by the window in the back. It was perfect.

There She Blows!!

2009-01-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

Aunt Kimmy gave Ricky a volcano kit for Christmas and we spent this week putting it together, painting it, and today we erupted it. You can see where they mixed paints to make orange and brown.

Ricky and Taylor put the mold together. I mixed the plaster and poured it into the mold. They all spent time painting it to make it look "real". It was a lot of fun. The snow/rain has been coming down on and off for about a week. It was a great activity to put together in the house.

Thanks Aunt Kimmy! It was a lot of fun! Now we want to do lap books on Volcanoes next.

Let us not be weary...

2009-01-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have read a lot of emails from other moms who struggle with homeschooling in January. We get in a rut and want new ideas to spice things up. We often spend a little time wondering if we have chosen the right curriculum, if we have the right schedule, feel guilty about the amount of field trips we took this month...etc. We as moms do guilt very well. We want what is best for our children.

I found this wonderful quote on a blog I visit. It helped me in a lot of areas...not just school.

It's work, just plain hard work. I've pussy-footed around saying that for a long time. Homeschooling is hard work with one. With a houseful, it was very hard work. But it can be done and done very well.

"And let us not be weary in well doing : for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9

I am very confident in our choices. Just like the author said.."It is hard work". Sometimes it is good to hear from someone else that they struggled and made it. As moms (and more so..as Latter Day Saint moms) we see smiling faces and no one complaining. We see others so happy 24/7. It is nice to share our ideas and see that we aren't alone.

Keep up the good work and in whatever your endeavor..... let us not be weary in well doing

Basketball

2009-01-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Basketball is in full swing. Taylor and Ricky are playing in Spanish Fork. Ricky is on the Gators 3rd grade team. Taylor is on the Firebirds 5/6th grade team. I am coaching Taylor's team.
Ricky likes basketball so much it has taken football's place as the #1 sport of choice (for now!)

So if you call on a Wednesday night or Saturday and we aren't home...probably at basketball.

Wii bowling helps!

2009-01-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

The kids started bowling this week. What fun! We meet some friends from Keystone Arts Academy at Miracle Bowl in Orem on Thursday afternoons and had a great time this week. All I can say is Wii bowling helped our scores a bit. Last time we went bowling I don't think anyone was over 100. This time we made it there and above some.

There were kids of all ages. Even us moms had a go at it. I was suprised to get a few strikes and spares.

The older kids had fun with it. They were brave and bowled without bumpers. Unlike us moms! A few gutter balls never hurt anyone..Aye Shelby?

The competitive spirit that Ricky is was a little disappointed to not bowl 180. The littler people had the 6 and 8 pound balls. He did well though. Even though, (to his dismay), he didn't get a spare or a strike (like on the wii) he never throw a a gutter ball!

Can't wait for next week!

Schools in!

2009-01-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

Argh! Most of you probably love to have school start again. Not me. I hate the week we go back. It is hard for everyone. I hate getting up and being organized and prepared, and the kids hate having to think again.

I am taking deep breaths, going to my room for a time out, and occasionally venting my frustrations to my poor husband. He patiently sat and listened and gave me a hug and after I had calmed down, he sent me back on my way.

I think we all need to go to the neighborhood sledding spot and have a good run at that! (After school of course) :)

Hats off to all of you who are enjoying the beginning of a new semester!

The best day of the Year!

2008-12-27T16:37:00.001-07:00

Ricky woke up Dec. 26 and declared it the best day of the year. I asked him why. He said "because you get to play with all your new stuff all day long!" So true, young man.

We spent the day in front of the TV playing the new Wii Santa brought the family, riding the new electric scooter, Ripstick, and Heely's Grandma Susie got us (in the basement of course), and eating the left overs, and the treats all the neighbors brought us. It was Heaven! We also did a little bit of sledding.

I have to tell about Santa's visit. The kids had been fighting all week long. No school, lots of snow outside, and no where to go, they got very restless. I kept saying "Santa isn't going to come if you don't find a way to get along." Well, Santa left them each a bag of coal, and one family gift..the Wii. (I wrapped their Santa gifts and they were from mom and dad this year) Ricky was such a big boy. He was excited when a minute later Taylor saw the Wii behind the Christmas tree. But after the excitement he came and sat on my lap and sobbed a little bit. I asked him what was up. He said he didn't want Santa to think he was a bad boy. (What a sweet boy) He was alright about not getting anything. He was upset that someone important thought he was a bad boy.

We have an elf named Melanie who comes to our house every year. She plays pranks and eats our treats, etc. She left the kids a note saying that she put in a good word to Santa about how good they were to each other Christmas Eve (they were sharing, and hugging, and excited for the other person when they got a neat gift, etc). That is why Santa left us the family present. The kids showed that they had a little bit of good in them.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

We are so excited for Christmas. We have all our treats delivered to neighbors and friends, the cookies are baked for Santa, and all the presents are wrapped.

Here is a picture of Rick and I at his work Christmas party in Salt Lake.

I love to leave you with a good quote I find. May you all get what your hearts desire this Christmas!

Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.
--Dale Evans

New Christmas Tradition

2008-12-18T13:15:00.001-07:00

Okay so I am a wimp. I hate the mess of holiday cooking craft stuff. So this year I bought a Gingerbread House Kit. The kids had a lot of fun decorating it. Not bad for our first one ever. I told them next year we'll try and get fancy.

Vacations!

2008-12-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Before Thanksgiving we took a trip to California to Rick's friend Amit's Wedding. We decided to make a vacation out of the trip. We went to the San Diego Zoo and Disneyland's California Adventure. For our friends in Florida it is similar to MGM Studios there.

It was a lot of fun.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

This Thanksgiving was the best one yet. We all had such a great time. It started out with me getting up to go to Kmart and start some Christmas shopping! (yes I'm one of those people). I got some great deals and felt very happy. Went home and we all got dressed and went to the In Laws for breakfast.

Taylor looked forward to going to grandpa's and cooking with him. She has fond memories of last year stuffing the bird with him. Ricky got to play with some of his friends in grandma's neighborhood, and Shelby got to look through the ads with mom.

Dinner was wonderful. We all ate to much. We always go around the table and say what we are thankful for.

After dinner Aunt Cheryl asked what stores were open. (my kind of woman) So me, Cheryl, Joanne, and Clarrissa took off for Walmart! I was able to find a few more deals! (they were on my list ya know).

Then there was Black Friday! ....wait for it...I was able to get a big ticket item! Yes, I am so lucky. Half off! I'd tell you what it was but run the risk of that someone it is for reading and knowing what they are getting. LOL Shelby went with me, and Ricky and Taylor went with Rick. We had to split up to maximize our efforts in getting all the deals we wanted. LOL.

I am so thankful for all our blessings. Heavenly Father has looked after us and given us what we have needed and much more. He continues to place many opportunities in our path to make our lives richer.

Thank you for being a part of our journey here on earth!

Tag your it!

2008-11-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Got tagged so here it goes...my first!

What is your husbands name? Richard Wayne Ferrel

How long have you been married? 13 years and 4 months

How long did you date? we were friends for about 8 or 9 months then dated for about 3 months.

How old is he? 45 ( telling his age is alright...don't ask me mine!)

Who eats sweets? more? Oh, I think it is a tie.

Who said I love you first? I did. The story goes that I chased him down...lol..knew a good thing when I saw it!

Who is taller? He is

Who can sing best? He does. If you sit by me in church and have to share a hymnal..I apologize

Who is smarter? Depends on the subject...but he reads so much that he probably knows more on more subjects.

Who does laundry? Oh! I do. He does a load once in a while...but I have to fold it up.

Who pays the bills? i make sure they get paid, but he earns the money

Who sleeps on the right side? We both do...depends on how you are looking at the bed.

Who mows the lawn? I do. I started doing it in Florida...got me out of the house and it was free time to think...now it is just my thing. He'd do it if I wanted him to.

Who cooks dinner? We both do...he cooks better than I do though.

Who drives? Rick does. He can't stand to be the passenger.

Who is first to admit they are wrong? I am
Who kissed who first? good question...I think it was at the same time.

Who asked who out first? He asked me out to watch his softball game

Who wears the pants? Oh...we are both first born and have control issues...I'd say there's a lot of give and take. Not a dictatorship...Democracy rules the house.

Now it's your turn.

Ok I'm back

2008-11-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

Okay so erasing my blog and not using google for a time is over. I don't even know if anyone else reads my blog or enjoys it at all...but I sure do.

I have to admit that it is quite addictive and therapeutic.

I love this time of year. I actually long for it during the spring and summer. Thanksgiving is such fun. Getting up to make cinnamon rolls for breakfast to eat while we watch the Macey's parade. Watching the football games, goofing off, eating all day. It all is wonderful. Stuff great childhood memories are made of.

So..if you read this..

Happy Thanksgiving!