Living off the grid-

I am watching Wife Swap I love this show. It makes me appreciate my family so much more.
This episode one of the wives lived a party lifes style and  another who downsized from their 8 bedroom home to a smaller farm house to live off the grid.It made me think, could I do that? Could I go without electricity and running water, live off a farm? Brieana thought that was the coolest thing ever.

They had a nice house, but  they didn't use electricity or running water. They washed their clothes & dishes by hand. Dishes were washed in big basins that was filled with water from outside (I think there was a well) and I assume they brought the water into the bathroom(s). They used candles throughout the house, the most light coming from the kitchen. The food source mainly came from their farm. The mother from Las Vagas, was shocked and apprehensive. When it came time for them to slaughter a chicken, I was surprised that she made an effort to attempt it. She missed and then said she wouldn't be able to continue. I think I agree, I am not against it because I am not a vegetarian, I'd even go hunting for the experience if the opportunity came. But don't think I could actually kill an animal willingly. I even swerve to miss squirrels and even possums ( I get made fun of that)

I would love, to live on a farm. I always have loved the idea of farm life. But, I would definitely have to have running water and electricity. Call me spoiled I guess. I could probably go a little while with out it, but those are luxuries that I simply can not live without. I love having my computer. It's what keeps me sane. Plus it's a very important tool for me to use to home school.  I know there are other ways, but why wouldn't I want something more convenient?

So, no I couldn't go off the grid entirely, but definitely food wise. If I ever get the opportunity, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Amie

Things that Jules finds hilarious..

A couple of years ago about 5 months after I had my daughter my mom wanted me to walk with her in a Relay for Life event. I thought it would be nice to not only honor my grandmother who we lost to Breast Cancer, but to get a little exercise for my post-baby body.
After a couple of hours of walking this guy about my age approached us and started talking. He was talking to my mom and being the good mother she is, she said, "This is my daughter." Dude seriously looked at me and said, "Oh, yeah-Hi, anyway" and swiftly kept smiling and talking to my mother! :/ Really....
Yeah-totally hilarious, right?


So fast-forward 13 years, my daughter is a teenager and my son is 6. The hilarious thing I have figured out is when we were first married 15 years ago I can remember my husband asking men who they were looking at-Yes, it made me feel nice. I got a few stares. Now-we go out to the stores..I'm not the one getting stares and people talking to me. Wait for it........it is my husband who get these situations. I know-you are thinking- What is so hilarious about that??

He has MEN approach him all the time. Not women...I'm not talking bad about these men and my husband just graciously says "Hi, excuse me I'm looking for my wife" How great is that...people see me with 2 kids in tow and not even a second look..

We were in a major grocery store one night and my husband and I split up in two different directions. While I was gone, he got approached by a lady who asked if he was Saved. He politely answered her and see said she wanted to pray with him. He again politely responded to her. When he caught up with me, I was told I could never leave him alone again because he was either getting picked up in the store or approached by religious people. The good wife that I am, left him again 2 more times while in that store-and he got caught by the same lady both times, hahaha!

He has also been yelled at by an older cashier for not paying for his "date's" items...Yeah-he was standing in line with our daughter....
He was irritated and she was grossed out, "Like I'd date an old guy" was the response from her. :)

These are my hilarious reflections for today..Have a great Easter!

-Jules

Me through the eyes of a 10 & 8 & 4 year old (revised)

Here is the updated answers from Brieana (10½) Dylan (8)  I even wanted to see what Kyle (4) wanted to say It was fun seeing  how diffeent and similar the answers were. If you want to see their old answers, look back a few blogs.. 

1. What is something mom always says to you?

Brieana: Don't chew with your mouth open, and I love you to the moon and the stars
Dylan: You love me. Take the dogs out and do my chores.

2. What makes mom happy?

Brieana-When I give you a hug and do all my chores with out you asking me too.

Dylan- Hugs and kisses & us

Kyle: I love you and Kyle John, knock it off! no

3. What makes mom sad?

Brieana- When you have to put your foot down or if one of us is hurt or sick.
Dylan-When Kyle pees on the seat. When you're not with us

Kyle Crying and when I pee on the floor. put toilet paper in the sink and toilet

4. How does your mom make you laugh?

Brieana- When you say something funny, tickle us.

Dylan-When you say bad words ( he gave me that answer again)
When you tickle me.

Kyle; us laughing

5. What was your mom like as a child?

Brieana-You were like me, a tomb boy who loved kids 

Dylan you were like me
Kyle: watching tv. 

6. How old is your mom?

Brieana 33

Dylan  35
Kyle: 5

 7. How tall is your mom?

Brieana 5foot 7

Dylan Big
Kyle Big

 8. What is her favorite thing to do?

Brieana- Being with us and doing things with us. 

Dylan Play xbox play games with us.
Kyle: Make supper

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?

Brieana: She doesn't really leave...

Dylan- you go to the store.but you never leave
Kyle: go to the Dr

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?

Brieana -Singing, and cooking

Dylan-being the best mom ever and your cooking
Kyle: Awesome

 11. What is your mom really good at?

Brieana-Cooking, singing and being with us

Dylan- Loving us (same answer)
Kyle: making supper (he likes to eat) 

 12. What is your mom not very good at?

Brieana-Sleeping

Dylan playing call of duty
Kyle: dancing

13. What does your mom do for her job?

Brieana- Home school us, house cleaner, diaper changer, hugger

Dylan-Home school us
Kyle: teach Brieana Dylan and me

14. What is your mom's favorite food?

Brieana-Sushi, chicken 

Dylan Asahi (Japanese food)
Kyle: bacon

15. What makes you proud of your mom?

Brieana-You don't rip your hair out when we drive you nuts. You're a good mom. If you were;t a good mom, you wouldn't be here with us and you'd be out every night.

Dylan- Clean the house or do well with lessons.
Kyle: make supper, love you

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Brieana  Marge Simpson

Dylan: Minnie Mouse
Kyle: Momma

17. What do you and your mom do together?

Brieana- EVERYTHING but my favorite thing we do is watch movies together & cuddle time and have family game night.

Dylan-We play xbox together we do school, play games, watch tv together. Love together

Kyle: Have family time, we play games, we eat at the table together

18. How are you and your mom the same?

Brieana- We are both girls. We like the same stuff, singing, bad at dancing, We cry a lot. We care a lot people. We both Love God and are very close to God.
Dylan- We love each other so much (same answer)
Kyle: read stories

19. How are you and your mom different?

Brieana: We both have the same characteristics, your hair is wavy and mine is straight. You're married  & I am not. 
I bight my nails, you don't. 
Dylan You like purple I like blue. We are not the same age. You're a girl I'm a boy

Kyle your a girl and Im a boy.. you have long hair I have short

20. How do you know your mom loves you?

Brieana-You tell us ALL the time and give us hugs and kisses a million times a day.

Dylan- You give us a hug and a kiss, you tell me a thousand times a day. 

Kyle: give me hugs and kisses and tell me you love me

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?

Brieana Home 

Dylan  in your room.
Kyle: to the dr.

My view on 2 of the World's biggest problems

I grew up in a loving household. When we moved to a new town in my 4th grade year I was supposed to change schools the following year..this was the start to a whole new world outside of the bubble I realized I lived in.
At my new school we were not the norm. I had honestly never heard of parents being divorced, but my parents were a very few that were still married. This was a complete shock to me! (Sheltered..maybe)

My friends and I all had part-time jobs that we worked after school and through the summer. I bought my first car, paid my insurance, gas, school clothes, I even helped with the extras I needed for cheerleading,band, and prom.

When I graduated I was working full-time when I was introduced to what would be my future husband. He had always worked and paid for the things he needed too. We both saved money and paid our portion of the cost for our wedding. We bought our house, had children and have provided for them.

Problem 1: Where did we go wrong in not teaching our children the value of the dollar and hard work. I was shocked when we moved to the new state that we live in and found that people won't/don't like to hire teens. How are they ever going to learn to appreciate anything if they are not earning those items? I can not imagine not helping my parents as a teenager when there was so much extra that I needed.

I admit-I met one of those rare men when I met my husband. I'm not the sappy type and neither is he, but he is the most gentle, caring man I have ever met. He opens car doors, holds other doors open, takes his hat off while eating, etc. We did however come from totally different backgrounds. His-not good at all. He is a survivor of abuse and made a choice to never be that kind of person. Dealing with his family led me to be scarred for life as I had to see my precious 13 month old nephew with bruises from the small of his back to the back of his upper thighs. He also had marks on both cheeks like someone grabbed his face..totally devastated..
So as a newly married couple we had to go through a lengthy and stressful process by the Dept. of Children/Family Services researching our pasts. I received many calls asking me questions about his family that I had no clue to the answers, and many that resulted in, "We can't find any criminal history on your husband, he's never been in trouble?" Ummm, No! Sorry that is hard to believe due to his family history.
We endured months of having this little boy and his brother who was 3 months at the time. Not that they were bad, but my sister in law tried to start trouble when she found out we had them in foster care. She'd miss the supervised visits-even when the case workers were driving to pick her up. We assume the case workers had finally had enough because they gave the kids back to her. The day we had to give them back she showed up at the office with no car seats for her babies and no clothes (which we provided for her there in the office.) 2 weeks later we went for a visit to see the boys and they were living in a house with dog feces on the floor and exposed electrical wires. When we reported it, the case workers told us our expectations of clean may not be everyone else's. Really? Sad to say-my sister in law had more kids..today her kids are age: 15,14,11,7, and a newborn..have things gotten better? I had to cut ties from her because she would not be a better mom and it was too much for me and no matter how many times we reported her no one did anything. I can tell you the answer is No..the 11 yr old has been caught stealing other kids snacks in school. She has told the school she steals because she is hungry..but no one has done anything.
**I still go to bed many nights haunted by the bruises I saw that night on my nephew**

Problem #2: When in the world did we, as human beings, quit valuing our children? You all have read/seen the stories. Children murdered because parents don't want to be bothered. So many abducted and killed. Or just the plain cases of innocent children being abused. Where does this World think we are going to end up if we are treating our next generation this way?  Is there a future without any nurturing? I'm not saying that children should behave the way that I see almost every time I go to the store, kids need discipline or they can turn out to be not so good adults. My children have manners and behave appropriately. When they don't, they are punished. That is called raising your child. You do not have to abuse them in the process.

Do I have a solution to both problems..No, I suppose I don't have a wand to magically wave. As it gets late here-my final thought of the night is-if we don't teach our children responsibility, show them love but yet correct them when they are wrong we will never provide them with a bright future. Failure is almost a certainty...

-Jules

Stubbornness.

I was sitting here, wracking my brain as to what I wanted to post about. It's taken me damn near all day! By this time, I am usually on my third post of the day. Anyway, I couldn't think of anything until I saw this cute little E-card.  It made me laugh and instantly I knew, after the last few days I have had, this was the perfect inspiration. 

I wouldn't say it fit my life to the exact proverbial T, but pretty close, at least. For the most part, my kids are awesome. They do what they are told. Hey, it may be the millionth time I asked them, but they do do it, and typically its without much complaint. The reason why I thought this was perfect is because each one of my children are strong and determined.and very stubborn. It's funny, they are so much alike, yet very unique. 

Brieana, is stubborn because she HAS to have the last word.  It annoy's the crap out of me. If it;s not something she is being reprimanded for, I will laugh and shake my head. But, if she's getting lectured, it annoy's the piss out  me. Funny part is, she know's it.  Is that not a woman's trait or what? I swear, she get's it from her dad. 

Dylan, his stubbornness shines through when you try to explain how to do things yet, he keeps doing it his own way. But then again, he's a mini man so that can be expected.

Ahh, my Mr. Kyle. Out of all 5 of my kids, he has to be the most stubborn child. He has been since his days in the womb. If something is not exactly what or how he wants it, be prepared for an ultimate meltdown. He's gotten better. He used to have 4-5 fits a day, then we slowly dwindled down to where we are currently, One to two fits a week. But, it;s okay. He's mine. Perfectionist can mean genius.  Hey, one can hope. How else are you going to over look the bowls of cereal being on the floor. One day, it will be because he doesn't have enough milk, the next day it might be too little. Some days he hates the blue bowl, and others he gets furious if he doesn't have the bowl he hated yesterday. After those fits are over with, he is the most loving little boy you'll ever meet; next to his brother that is. My boys... Wouldn't change or trade either one of them if you asked me. 

Emilee, AKA Emmie-Emmie-pooh, Emzies.  She is so loveable and cuddly, determined to be the center of attention. She will charm you with her twinkling blue eyes and million dollar smile and if that doesn't work, be prepared to get showered with hugs. She doesn't just fight for my affection or her fathers, she wants to be everyone's favorite. She exhibited this traigt from the moment they placed her in my arms. From that moment on, she has always been our family love-bug. She is also stubborn when she hears the word no. She will whine so much, that  giving her what she wants just to make her laugh again, is the only solution.

Oh, my Emzies. 

Lexie Sue.... She has been stubborn from the get-go. We had many challenges getting her into the world, from day one, the odd's were stacked against her. Look at her now, if you didn't know it, you'd never know that she was born 8 weeks early. As soon as we brought her home from the hospital, she took off. She didn't want to sleep. Why would she? She did all her sleeping in the hospital when I couldn't be there. She was saving it all for me.  When she started walking, that's when her true stubbornness came out. Climbing on anything and everything. Determined to keep up with her siblings. And believe me, she will have them running in circles. Climbing out of her highchair and out of it at 12 months even while strapped in. She wasn't even walking yet. She started climbing out of her crib last month. All it took was once. She hasn't been in a crib since. Can't keep her in it. We tried putting her in a play pen last week, yeah that took all of two seconds to scale over that. She came out (using the long route to the living room I might add) looked at us, and started laughing.. Little Sh!t!!! Her latest scheme? She has learned to open all doors, even when locked (if she's on the inside) you can't keep her in, anywhere. Oh!! She also has been attempting to plug things in especially, my bedroom fan. If I didn't catch her in the knick of time, she would have done just that. 

So, there are man different levels of stubbornness. When my children out teenagers I will either be in trouble or able to out smart them because,  after all they came from me. 

Homeschool Helper

Just popping in for a few minutes because I remembered a tool for homeschoolers if they need help.

We used the site this morning for Science. It is Khan Academy. They do an excellent job of explaining the different topics. We watched 4 or 5 videos on Newton's Law. Then we watched it for 3 different Math subjects.
Hippo Campus is the same idea,but I think they may have more on the lower Elementary level.

You can find Science, Math, History, and a couple of other subjects. I also just noticed that Khan added some games to the site. It has over 3,000 videos!!

 www.khanacademy.org
 www.hippocampus.org


-Jules

Does this happen to you???

I know it certainly does in my house!! 

*Image found on the internet. I do not claim it as my own*

Uncle Si for President

**Not my photo, taken from internet***


Is there anyone else out there who feels me on this one?

Si Robertson is the most awesome man out there. He knows everything and could probably put this nation back on track.

We've watched him blow up his truck so that he could lay it to rest properly. He saved all the women by sewing aprons when they couldn't-and they were beautiful.

The man ALWAYS has his tea under his arm.  He'd be great in time of conflict as we've witnessed that he can shake his left hand and...snatch your underwear with his right.

Maybe he could bring World Peace because he has mad skills with jokes, like tonight-What animal has more lives than a cat, if a cat has 9 lives?  A frog-cause he croaks every night (ba-da bum bum)

I bet he even has the skill to help with the budget!
If you haven't watched Duck Dynasty..You don't know what you're missing..and that's a fact, Jack!

-Jules

Me, according to my kids when they were 6 & 8

this is a cute idea. Copy this note, ask your kid the questions and write them down exactly how they respond. I did this with them when Brieana was 8 and Dylan 6- I will do an updated version tomorrow. I'm curious to see how the answers will differ. 

1. What is something mom always says to you?

Brieana and Dylan I love you

2. What makes mom happy?

Brieana-When we do good things-

Dylan- Me

3. What makes mom sad?

Brieana- When she has to yell at me

Dylan-When I pee on the seat

4. How does your mom make you laugh?

Brieana- Tickle me

Dylan-When you say bad words 

5. What was your mom like as a child?

Brieana-Talkative

Dylan

6. How old is your mom?

Brieana 31

Dylan 65

 7. How tall is your mom?

Brieana I dont know

Dylan 30 lbsl

 8. What is her favorite thing to do?

Brieana-Spend time with us

Dylan play with us

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?

Brieana-Cry cause I'm not here and take care of Kyle and Emilee

Dylan-Go to the store and buy underwear and clothes and food. And clean the house

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?

Brieana -Because she is the best mom in the world 

Dylan-For us

 11. What is your mom really good at?

Brieana-Cooking, cleaning, spending time with the kids

Dylan- Loving us

 12. What is your mom not very good at?

Brieana-Going to bed early

Dylan Nothing

13. What does your mom do for her job?

Brieana-EMT-Stay home and taking care of us, and student

Dylan-Love us

14. What is your mom's favorite food?

Brieana-Sushi

Dylan Veggtiables

15. What makes you proud of your mom?

Brieana-you always remember to pick us up from school

Dylan- Because you take care of me

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Brieana Super mom

Dylan-Monster Truck Driver

17. What do you and your mom do together?

Brieana-We do crafts

Dylan-We play xbox together

18. How are you and your mom the same?

Brieana-We both have the same characterisics

Dylan- We love each other so much

19. How are you and your mom different?

Brieana we have different favorite colors

Dylan your a girl I am a boy

20. How do you know your mom loves you?

Brieana-You tell us ALL the time

Dylan- You're in my heart

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?

Brieana The beach

Dylan Walmart-

This SAHM reads in her spare time (haha, like I have any)

Today, I thought we'd talk books!

Many give me a hard time for my choices when reading.

HI, MY NAME IS JULES...AND I AM A TWI-NERD!!

I love the Twilight Saga. I have read the books over 15 times each. Yes, I love the movies-Robert Pattinson is dreamy, but the books are so much better. I'm not a fan of how Hollywood changes the story for the movies. You know you are lucky when a book has the ability to take you into the text as if you are there with the characters.
I have had the pleasure of meeting several of the Twilight stars in person, get autographs and photos. Like I said previously-I take a lot of flack for liking Twilight but our community is not much different from Trekkies. I have been to Star Trek conventions also. Those fans are just as passionate.

Some of my recommendations:
I made it through the Hunger Games Trilogy. Mocking Jay was not what I would have expected but overall an enjoyable read.


Anyone who likes Twilight should check out The Blue Fire Saga by Scott Prussing. He has vampires, volkanes, humans, and much more. Mr. Prussing has other books on his page also. It is www.scottprussing.com  It is worth checking out!



We've also been known to read about serial killers (No, we are not weird-my daughter's passion is to become a profiler for the FBI)

Forget straight up romance novels..you know the kind with Fabio where his hair is blowing in the breeze and his shirt is open. I have never been able to make it through those.

-Jules..over and out!

Banning Dodge Ball? Seriously??

One of my friends, posted this "Windham NH school district has banned Dodge ball and 9 other games from schools due to reports that it is a form of 'bullying"  Dodge ball, was the staple of my childhood. Every morning before school, no matter what school it was, was spent outside before school began playing dodge ball or kickball. I still love to play both sports. I mean, to me there is nothing wrong with getting a rubber ball thrown at your face at speeds of 40 mph. You simply just well...FEEEEL the burn. I'll never forget the feeling nor the glorious smell of that cherry red ball.

Here is the artical- http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/03/27/dodgeball-removed-from-windham-nh-schools/ Tell me, what you think?

I could very well see kids abusing the power of the ball, taking their pent up aggregation on the poor unpopular kid. Who hasn't been the target of it?? Did I run away and cry??  Hell no!! That kid instantly became the next target of my cherry bomb. When mission was accomplished, you moved on to the next target. No one ever got out of hand, we knew if we did, we would loose our beloved game. Believe me you, the consequences would be far worse if you were the cause of loosing the game.

That's the difference between kids back then and kids now. It's sad really. I blame it on the lack of supervision. Teachers are over-worked and stretched out to the max. Any time they don't need to teach, scold or babysit gives them time to breathe. Things get overlooked. If you're one of those amazing teachers then it's completely understandable. But, we know there are many teachers who just teach to collect a pay check and could care-less about the welfare of your child. So, I blame them. If we were able to weed the good from the bad, and give the teachers a break, the support and the funding they need, I am pretty certain that the violence in schools would be far less. Teachers do not get nearly enough of the things they need to adequately do their jobs. If  "They" -who ever that might be, stopped cutting educational funds, the teachers would not get overwhelmed, out numbered and actually love their jobs. Now, I am not saying that it's like this for every teacher.  It just seems that the government should pay more attention to who they take their funding from. These children are after all our future. The power is in the hands of the teacher. Yes, we are responsible for our children's upbringing, we begin the molding process however, unless your kids are homeschooled as mine are, children typically spend more time with their teachers than they do with us. Stop taking funding from school and cut funding from your bountiful salary. I am pretty certain that more funding in schools will make better children.

Think about it, one of the best compliments I can receive is someone telling me how well behaved & well mannered my children are. Why? Because I take the time to pay attention to them. I am capable of giving them the encouragement and support and the molding they need/deserve.
There are so many teachers who want to do the same. Who go outside the proverbial box to ensure our children get exactly what some parents can not provide them selves. But unfortunately, not every teacher is capable to do so and not because they don't want to, their funding is just exasperated. Have you ever thought of how much money comes out of a teachers pocket just to have the materials they need to make our child's learning experience a fun and beneficial one? Take a look around their classrooms, I betcha their decorations didn't come from the school. It came from the teachers.

All in all, more money would mean more teachers, having more teachers would take the stress off the teachers we do have which would leave more room for the attention to be properly spent on our children.

Let's take the "dodge ball" away from the government spenders... We will see how quickly things get returned to our school system. Too bad, there is no one who has the "balls" to do so...

♥Amie

Forget Coffee.....

I don't know about you, but this is totally how I feel today. Even if I am not a big drinker, it's still just one of those days...

♥Amie

Found this image on the web. I do not claim it as my own

...

Say What? Miscommunication from a 6 yr old..

My son walks up to me yesterday and out of no where says, "I'm cute- I get it from Dad" ...Really? Who told this boy that information?

Then I got...wait for it.. "Mom, was that show on in the 1800s when you were little?" Seriously? How old does he think I am? So I said it wasn't the 1800s-That his dad and I grew up in the 1990s. For all my effort, J replies, "But you are older than Dad,right?"
...By this time I'm pretty sure he thinks I am in my 80s :/  (for the record, I am only 6 months older)

I usually feel pretty good about myself, but by the end of day I was under the assumption:

* The cute factor in our family comes from my husband.
* I am older than dirt and apparently was BFFs with Laura Ingalls on the prairie
* I'm a cougar

Nothing like a "reality" check from the mouth of babes...

Have a great day!
-Jules

Is homeschooling easy?

Is homeschooling easy you ask? Well...I'll get back to you on the easy part. Some days are good and some are bad. There are struggles everyday over something, I'm sure. I don't think there is one home-schooling parent that can say there isn't. For us it's reading, my child wants absolutely NOTHING to do with reading himself. He will sometimes, but 60% of the time it's not by choice. He loves having books read to him, answering questions about the story, or even writing a story similar to what has been read. Anything else he loves. Math, breezes through. History, let's learn more. Science, "Ooh, can we do that again?". Language Arts, not a favorite but he doesn't mind it. In my personal opinion, the key to home-schooling is learning your child's way of learning. Once that has been done, I think at times, yes, it is easy. Another thing is being able to change it up! Want to do learning outside? Go for it! Go to the zoo to learn about animals? Why not?!?! Finding what interests your child is also an option, I can't tell any of you how many times I've let him choose what he wants to learn about (I will be the same with my youngest) and he always chooses something fun! Volcanoes, sharks, toads, plants; struggles seem to subside when they choose. Of course there are the things that need to be taught (my opinion) that they may not want to learn, but they still need to. I also notice that with mine the warmer it gets, the less schoolwork he wants to do. He would rather be outside 100% of his time; he's definitely a country boy. One who enjoys fishing, hunting, trapping, playing in the dirt, riding his bike, swinging, bouncing on the trampoline, using his sling-shot, etc. (I'm by no means saying he doesn't enjoy playing video games or watching tv, but if he had to choose, he'd go outside in a heartbeat.) I've learned to choose my battles; if he wants to play outside we do our schoolwork in the morning so he can enjoy the afternoon outdoors. I've learned that learning is everywhere. Even when he's outside he's constantly learning, his imagination is incredible and with that he has a strong love of learning. I've seen him make piles of dirt into volcanoes and explain which type they are. I've seen him find bugs and tell me ALL about them. Playing by the pond, seeing the water life and his eyes lighting up as he tells me about tadpoles. It's amazing. Simply amazing. All of this is what makes the daily struggles worth it, to see that "light-bulb" go off, to see him teaching other kids what he's learned, the pride he shows in being a home-schooler. (Telling complete strangers how home-schooling is fun and that's something him and George Washington have in common, funny right?) My point is, LEARNING IS EVERYWHERE! Take advantage of your surroundings. Go to a park, let your kids find rocks and then look up stuff about gems and minerals. Rocks and soil. Let your kids throw a ball up in the air, discuss gravity, what goes up must come down, right? There are just so many things you can do as a home-schooler, most importantly being able to change-it up. Rather it, is your curriculum (if you use one), your surroundings, etc.

Here my oldest is, working hard in his Handwriting Without Tears workbook. Notice the John Cena (WWE) book in the background, that's his journal. He writes about whatever he wants to write about in that daily. He picked out that book, so he loves to write in it. (Once again, less struggles when your kids are able to choose what interests them, my opinion.)

And here my youngest is, ready for summer (following in his brother's footsteps when it comes to being outdoors) wearing my flip-flops on a cold/blustery day. 

My pictures are © copyrighted.

What's your Pet Peeve?

After telling my daughter for the second time within 5 minutes not to talk while she has food in her mouth... Wait, strike that. I actually didn't say anything, just gave her THE LOOK. The look she is all to familiar with because I tell her at least twice (or more) a night, every night, as I have for the last 8 years-(I'll cut her some slack for the first two years, seeing how she was just a little girl) The same look my father gave me when I was a child. Although, it didn't take me nearly as long to learn. I had to learn the hard way. She's lucky I just shake my head and give the look.

Anyway, that was a little longer than I anticipated. This got me to think about all the many different Pet Peeves there are and I was curious as to what yours are.  

Here are some of mine:
1.  Obviously Speaking with food in your mouth  

2. Chewing with your mouth open- I think I hate that more---Thanks Dad! 

3. I hate, hate, hate feet.... Don't like to look at them, don't you dare put them near me or worse, touch me *SHUDDER*  There is an exception,. Baby feet. Baby feet are cute, kissable and do not get abused. Once babies no longer behave like babies, I stop paying mind to them, feet! Ewwww

4. When utensils scrape against each other a pan or plate. OUCH! Even nails down a chalk board don't bother me as much as that.

Those are my main ones that really make goosebumps form.

My daughter hates mouths lol. She won't eat or drink anything that that has touched a mouth. I believe that's a safe practice! 

Dylan, LOL just found this out tonight, hates the sound of people scratching themselves. I think that's hysterical. We actually all started scratching just to see him quiver. Funny, right?? 

So, those are some of mine/ours.... What's yours?  I can't wait to read all of yours! 

♥ Amie

My Easter week of school

So today if I posted how I was honestly feeling I suppose I wouldn't be very inspirational. It was one of those harder days in home school where things just wasn't going the way it was supposed to.

It is so close to Spring Break that it is very apparent EVERYONE is declining in positivity. I've been racking my brain of how I can fix this...and then I said to myself, "Jules-You home school...spice it up!" The choices are limitless.

We are going to take the next few days and do lessons around Easter.

1. The 3 older kids will be taking the true story of Easter and writing a play(covers their need to write/direct a play for Eng/LA.) All 4 of them will practice and put the play on for the entire family on Sunday. This also can cover some of Social Studies skills :)

2.  Use jelly beans or M&Ms for Math and if they get the problems correct-they get to eat some candy.

3. All 4 will be doing an egg drop for Science. I just couldn't center things around Easter and not include eggs! I wonder how many we will break...

4. I always love to add in learning in the kitchen so we will make Resurrection Rolls and Easter Story Cookies..

Later in the week- who knows maybe we will find a local store that has baby chicks and we could go see them.

Remember-Take a deep breath and relax!

-Jules

Swinging anyone?

I couldn't help but to laugh! I could go to my back yard and do this right now I have that many kids.....Hmmmmm...
Okay, I won't but it's a good thought!

*Image found on the web I do not claim it to be my own*

Subliminal Messages in Cartoons?

For years I have heard this but always just, well ignored it. But.....
Either I am completely delirious with exhaustion or my kids cartoons are sending me dirty messages. 

I am not one of those parents that use the television as a baby sitter. I do home-school after all. However, the little ones might need to be entertained just a teeny-weeny bit in order to get the last bit of information drilled into my older children's feeble little minds.

We do our share of coloring, laughing, eating (them, not me) playing, indoors and out so, if the tv is on, and it's before 8 pm, then it's on Disney Jr.

I was on the computer (like I always am) and all of a sudden When Chuggington  was on, I swore I heard Chuggington say the words" Honking Whores" I busted out laughing, thankfully, my kids know I'm insane and didn't question my outburst.

A little later I swore I heard on The Octanauts say "I am just going to put my balls in the sand" that I am afraid, my kids didn't miss. For some reason 3/5 of my kids (both boys & Emmie)  are infatuated with body parts which is a whole different blog post.  Boy do I have stories for that!

And Sponge Bob?? He's the worst of them all. Maybe, they insert this subliminal messages just to make sure we are listening or heck, maybe even entertain us.

Well, keep it coming because I could always use a good laugh!

♥Amie

You WHAT? Yeah, I do!

When I first started the journey of home-schooling I dreaded the question, "You homeschool?", it was treated like the plague (homeschooling that is). Yes, I homeschool. What's it to you? I've gotten to where I respond in the friendliest matter I can, what happens next all depends on what the person says. "Different strokes for different folks." "What works for us, may not work for you." "Homeschooling works for us." "I've seen the village and I don't want it raising my kids." All of these are responses I've given someone at some time or another. They are my "go-to", as in DROP the subject. It is not up for negotiation. My children, my choice. I choose to homeschool.  But I have heard it all; "Are you sure you can do it?", "What happens when you send them to a "real" school?", "What happens if you fail your kids?", and one of my all time favorites, "What about making friends?" the whole socialization thing! UGH!

"Are you sure you can do it?"
Why yes, I am very sure I can teach my children. Why, I teach them everyday anyway. I've taught them many things. How do you think they learned their ABC's and 123's? How do you think they learned to say "please", "thank-you", and other respectful terms? To tie their shoes? Ride a bike? Open and close a door? Know their name? Address? Telephone number? It sure wasn't YOU (ignorant person acting like I can't teach my kids) Of course I can. I also taught them to pee and poop in the potty, not to dig their nose for gold, not to spit, to chew with their mouth closed, hold the door open for folks, not to speak to strangers, and to run naked in the yard. Hey! Everyone needs to have a good time, why not run naked (okay, okay, in our undies) in the sprinkler in the summertime? IT IS FUN! You see, I am quite capable of teaching my children the things they need to know and some I'm sure they don't. Things they wouldn't learn in a traditional school setting. ( I am not bashing a brick and mortar school, so do not take it that way.) This works for us and that's all that matters.

"What happens when you send them to a "real" school?" 
Um, last time I checked we are home-schoolers. School is EVERYWHERE. And it's just as "real" as going to an actual school. We do a lot of the same things. Just a tad different. We can do it in our PAJAMAS!

If the time comes and we choose to send our children to a brick and mortar school, they will adjust. It's not like they have been kept in a dungeon away from sunlight. They have friends, they can hold their own conversations. They will survive. If it comes to that. At this point, we are happy on our journey and intend on making no changes to what we are doing.

"What happens if you fail your kids?"
Okay, okay. You got me. I'm intentionally failing them. NOT! Every single parent (that's worth a shit) worries at some point on whether they are doing the right thing. Why am I a target to be asked this question over and over just because I keep my children home with me and I teach them? I will never understand it. I usually tend to respond to this question with the exact same question, "What happens if YOU fail your kids?" See. Not too happy are you that I questioned your abilities. So we will leave that one alone.

"What about making friends?"
The socialization thing is a whole blog in itself, which I will not get into today.

Creating a blog = Major freaking HEADACHE!!!!

Wow,

This blogging thing is insane. There is so much to it. Who would would have thought I would need a college degree in blogging... Do they even have that???  Up until 3 am working on one only to realized it SUCKED. Created a new one only to be confused and trying to learn the format. Thank God Tiffany knew what she was doing, I couldn't do it without her!! Thanks Love....Now, if I can just remember to log into my blog all the time, I'll be golden!

So, this is our new blog. This will be our permanent home, at least I hope. I don't see any hidden fees lurking around. God help them if there are...

I have so much to say, so be prepared to get sick of me.. However this is all for now...

Until next time!

♥Amie

Pets and tiny humans alike.

Hey
This entry, is all about how pets and tiny humans are alike. Sometimes, it's hard to tell the difference between my  5 children and 3 dogs..
Yes, I know the tiny humans have skin, stand up-right and can talk back. They both have a tendency to just poop and pee where ever they deem fit, they all get extremely hyper at times and don't listen to instructions. They love to destroy things,  especially anything you think is near or dear to you, is expensive, is irreplaceable, is fragile and most importantly something you sleep on!
  They always want what you are eating, even if they just ate themselves. They will do all the cutest moves and faces in hopes that you will drop, give or share your delectable with them.  They both can drive you completely mad in one second and make you fall completely in love the next. They both know just how to cheer you up, offering up some cuddles, kisses and love. Tiny humans will offer " I love yous" and furbabies, will hound you with affection, letting you know they adore you. So, though they both drive me insane, I would not trade any of my tiny humans or furbabies for the world
♥Amie

The A-ha moment (challenges of a speech-delayed child)

My son was speech delayed. Not sure why-he merely didn't say a word until he was 4 years old. We went through all the testing and even started teaching him sign language so he could try to communicate.  Needless to say-he has been behind in a lot of things. Where my daughter was writing her name at 2 and doing multiplication problems by 4 yrs., he has simply been behind other kids. Since starting traditional homeschool we have finally figured out what works.
He can't do Math if it looks like this..  3+4= it has to be a vertical problem where the numbers are on top of each other (think "old school" Math the way we were taught.) Our major breakthrough> using tiles so he visibly sees what he is adding/subtracting.
Reading is another hurdle. We were way behind on the newer way of learning Phonetics because of his delay so he is now reading easy things but it is from remembering the words. Dick and Jane are our best friends!
My purpose in sharing this....if you and your child have a road block-think outside the box! Take a deep breath and think of different ways to help it click.
My son's favorite Youtube videos School House Rocks and Raffi singing the Apples and Bananas song.
-Jules

Weird Facts about Amie

Here are some things you may, or may not, know about me.....

1. When I was younger, I had envisioned myself in many careers: oceanographer (who doesn't want to swim with dolphins and whales)

2. A teacher- Well, I sort of have completed this one, if you consider being a learning coach a teacher.

3. A physical therapist or occupational therapist specializing in working with children with Down Syndrome and disabilities. (I would still love to work with them)

4. A nurse/emt Well, I am an EMT and I am a nurse to my children, guess that counts.

But, the number one thing I wanted to do was be a mom. There is no better feeling than being a loving mother to my 5 beautiful children.

I was told, by three different doctors, I would never have children- Who's laughing now fools?

I am not really afraid of anything, but the unknown.

I read magazines from back cover to front-weird I know

I HATE shopping! Hate it, hate it, hate it!!!

I love the smell of sharpie's , I pull that cap off and just take a deep inhale....

I love the smell of books, it's invigorating, try it sometime.

I am happiest, when my children are happy.

I am not afraid to try something new, I wish I could try new things daily.

I work awesome under pressure, guess that's why I was an EMT

I am/want to be neat freak. I know, take one look around my house and you'd laugh. But, it's true I am. If I didn't live with so many other tiny humans and a husband, you would see.

If I could get rid of just one thing – it would be the need for sleep. I’m
always wishing for more hours in the day. I am a complete night owl and believe sleep is over-rated. I have so much to do and not enough time to do it in

I am the exact definition of a Libra. Look it up in the dictionary  and you will see my picture. I am as much of a hopeless romantic as you can find.</span>

I wear my emotions on my sleeve, but keep the darkest ones deep down until I feel like exploding.

A part of me wishes I had gone through the traditional college experience. Another part of me thinks it’s a big waste of money. I never had the college or party life and for a brief second, I wonder what I missed out on? Then I snap back to reality and say, " Big bills and many hangovers"!

Bacon, is life!

I love bubble baths! I want a Huge tub that I can just disappear in, filled with massive amounts of bubbles.

Well, that's part of me you didn't know... I guess stay tuned for more...

Home School Adventures!

We started our school at home adventures a little over four years ago. We have definitely had our trials and tribulations, but have finally found our grove. Home-schooling in itself is a journey, among the chaotic yet beautiful life we already live. Being the mother of two boys, one in "second grade" the other not even two, you live and you learn, quickly. Being parents in general my husband and I have definitely gone from a fast-paced lifestyle to the slow lane. Everything is a learning adventure! Every LITTLE thing! A trip to Florida erupts with, "Hey Kids! Look at the trees! Can you name what kind of tree it is?", "Let's count the cars!", "Let's see if we can spot an "A" on someone's license plate." Every little thing can be turned into a learning adventure, no matter the circumstances. I consider myself very laid back and never in a hurry, unless it's baseball season; then of course I am always in a hectic rush to get things done and get going.
Blogging is a very new experience for me, but helpful in a sense to release energy from the exhausting, yet fun day. Let the journey of blogging begin!
-Tiffany.

Weird looks and Homeschool..

Greetings-
I am still amazed at the reaction I receive when people find out my children are homeschooled.chose to homeschool when the children were younger and we were living in Michigan. I became a fixture in the principal's office and realized I was spending more time there than I did when I was in school myself.  We struggled with kids slapping my daughter in the face during class, sitting on her on the playground. The only thing that ever happened? She was scolded for not telling on the other students. How can a 2nd grader yell for help when her chest is being compressed by someone sitting on it :/  We also ran into the school system allowing registered sex offenders on field trips and in the building for class parties. Sorry, not something I could deal with!So, I took the plunge-I had two in 3rd grade, one in 1st, and a newborn. Yes-it was difficult, but knowing my children/nieces were safe made up for the fears and doubt I had put needlessly into my mind. We moved South 3 years ago and I thought I'd let them experience the schools here.  After a year the kids weren't happy so we decided to transition back to home school by using an online virtual school. We will be forever greatful to this wonderful school, but I didn't want to learn by "teaching for the test." I finally got my nerve back up and started to do it all on my own again. Now I get to see smiles on the kids' faces again. We learn our basics, learn to cook, play crazy games that go with our Units at the time, and most of all-enjoy learning again.So for the weird looks I mentioned (amazingly mostly from family)...Yes, we are up to date on our social skills. Yes-my kids are learning and able to pass the normal tests. I know where they are at, they are safe, and most of all-they have manners! I hope to share ideas on homeschool...maybe laugh a little..cry some too!
Jules

You're Homeschooling?? Are you NUTS???

That was my reaction when I logged back in. You like us. Well, we'll be sure to have you coming back for more.

Tiffany and Julie wrote about why the chose to home school, so here is mine.

 I have been asked by several, why I decided to home-school. I am sure I was asked for many reasons... Doubt, fear, interest, concern...Well, it really boiled down to the different experiences that Brieana and Dylan have had in school..

Brieana had a very traumatizing year in Pre-K, which I didn't know until a year later. Her teachers aide, dragged her by her arm on the floor, from one end of the class room to the other, then they had the audacity to accuse me of hurting/neglecting my child. Knowing perfectly well I don't. That theory was quickly debunked by DFACS (Department of children and family services) They spoke to Brieana and knew if the first few minutes of speaking with her, that she was neither abused nor neglected. Can you believe, after all this, they had the audacity to ask me to speak to the school about becoming an EMT, my occupation at the time. I could not believe it, you think I abuse my children but are willing to ask me to come in and speak to more children?? Preposterous!

Moving on, she had good teachers and bad teachers both here and in MA.  She loves school work but not actually going to school. It was rough, because we have moved around so much,  switching schools. With homeschooling, it won't affect where we live. Even MA has the same program offered. Luckily, we have planted our roots and won't have to worry about moving.

When Dylan started School in the fall of 2010 he had an amazing teacher. She kept me up to par, emailed me, called me wrote notes, etc more than once a week. She was very involved. They had a daily folder which included behavior, notes, as well as homework, which he had 4 days a week. We had several conferences and I knew where Dylan stood. I also knew, what our goals were.  Then, we moved to Tifton, where we are now. His teacher, was nothing like his last teacher. I made several attempts to contact her, she only responded once. I am not even sure if the problems we spoke about were addressed. This was In April 2011. In May, it was getting close to the end of the school year, I still had not heard anything, but was getting concerned, there were things that I worked hard with Dylan to ensure that he passes. I wanted to know that our hard work paid off. I didn't want Dylan to have to stay back. I would have been devastated as would he! Well, on the last day of school, his teacher called me, to tell me that Dylan was being placed into first grade not promoted. Her reasoning?? She feared he wouldn't do well even though he passed all of the criteria that needed to be met. I was furious! Momma bear wanted to rip her to shreds!! The things she was worried about could have been addressed with us at home. Hello! I am an active parent, I am very involved with my childrens live's. A phone call sooner would have been nice. We could have addressed that he kept moving his seat closer to a boy in his class. I mean, come on. There were some other issues, but I don't want to get into them. These were some of the basis of my decision.

I had voiced my fears to one of my best friends. She has been home schooling her two children- Since day one. Her son who was a  first grader, was far more advanced than Dylan was. I must admit, that made me jealous. Not because I am jealous of her, but jealous that her son was getting far better of an education than was offered to Dylan. And she was doing it at her pace. Lee had encouraged me to look into homeschooling for a long time, I was worried that I was incapable of doing so. I felt I would hold them back, not giving myself enough credit.

My friend mentioned to me that she would be switching to the K12 program and told me about it. This intrigued me. She then looked to see if My state offered it and was happy to hear that they did. She gave me the website and I researched. After telling my findings to Lee, he encouraged me to call and get more info, he said it seemed like the best thing for our children. I did, and they were so very helpful and resourceful. The statistics were astonishing and I knew it would be the best decision for us. I asked the kids if they would want to give it a try, explaining that they could say no, and I nor their father would be upset if they said no.

Both agreed, this is the path that they wanted to take-So I began the enrollment process. And while doing so, I still gave them opportunities to change their minds-even to this day, as we have begun some lessons, I still give them the option and the answer remains the same. This is what they want.

The enrollment process took about a month to complete. Once I got the approval email, I was shipped their books and supplies, which came in about 4 business days from day of approval. Began to explore the online school (OLS) and found some support groups on Face Book.  I had many fears and questions. The support group answered all my questions, even the repetitive ones, and welcomed me to the family. I also have support of my family and friends including a teacher!! I am very grateful for all the support! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Well, things have changed a tad. Dylan is still enrolled in K-12, at least for the time being. I started doing traditionally home school her in February. I do it solely on my own. I don't use a certain curriculum. I feel like if I spend the money on a curriculum and we end up hating them, that's wasted money that a one-income family can not afford. I did pay for <a href="www,education.com" title="Education.com"></a>, <a href="http://abcteach,com" title="ABC Teach"></a> and T<a href="http://www.teachervision.fen.com/" title="Teacher Vision">eacher Vision </a> All are great sites but Education.com is by far my favorite. Another great site, <a href="www.teacherspayteachers.com " title="Teachers Pay Teachers"></a>

Both of my children are happier and take pride in their work. They look forward to learning, even if it's late in the afternoon in our Pj's. I have seen great improvements and Dylan and nothing makes me happier. Even the little ones have started picking up on learning. I know, this is the best decision. If you ask them if they would like to go back to a brick and mortar school, you will get a quick response of no.

After doing this for two years I can not claim to be an expert. I will not lie and call it easy, I do have days where I want to give up, scream, and run away but the moment of clarity is when you see your kids light up because they learned something. So, I will continue this journey we have begun until I am no longer needed. The friendships and the bonds I have made along the way have made it so worth it.

~ Amie

This is insane (creating a blog for idiots)

I Had the brilliant idea of starting a blog with friends. It's a great idea, but crazy to get started. So much behind the scenes crap just to post a few blurbs. You need a how-to manual!! Which site, which name, how to customize... It's now 2:52 and I am on site number two trying to figure this out!
  They don't have a theme for crazy.  Then, you add making dinner, kids getting into things and laundry... Whoa, I need coffee!  Well, it will be worth it, I have some of the best partners in the world and I am excited to get this journey started...Sit back and enjoy the ride!

♥Amie

Under construction... STAY TUNED!

So, this will be the eventual home for Housewives, Homeschooling & Husbands, Please be patient as I transfer everything over and figure out how the hell this site works. 

I didn't want to pay 30 dollars or more to just customize the font on our page, when I can do it for free else where...

♥Amie