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Turns out Copernicus AND Galileo were wrong...see, *I* am the center of the universe. *ahem*
Yeah.
Anyway. Have had that song stuck in my head every since that was yelled at me in the middle of a hallway in front of lots of strangers and - oh yeah - Connor and Ben.
The boys and I had an amazing time in the wave pool until some lifeguard decided to be an ass and call Ben out for being 1/4" too short to NOT wear a life jacket. Seriously? And he was such an ass about it. And everything just went downhill from there.
I've had a migraine since shortly after that and I didn't bring any pain meds.
Keeping positive (because omg, if there were ever a time when I needed to do this, it's now)...um, Gatto was great. Carnival was fun. Am hoping to kick this migrained before Gatto's workshop in the morning.
Need sleep...going to try again.
The boys were g.r.u.m.p.y by the time the Superbowl started (I'm happy for the Saints - they worked hard!) and were asking to go to bed at 8. They were asleep by 9 and woke at about 8 this morning. So glad for that - maybe now the dispositions will be better for today!
This morning Ben lost tooth #3 - Yay!!! He's very, very excited :)
Today the boys and I are exploring the dry spots in the resort for a while, then we'll all go swimming after lunch. After that, come up here for a rest (quiet time!)...then this afternoon we'll get to meet up with other attendees, see the guest speaker (woo hoo!), and attend the carnival. And hopefully the boys will sleep, sleep, sleep again!'
Last night the boys successfully tested up in TKD! Connor is now 3rd geup and Ben 4th (geup = degrees away from black belt...Connor has three more to go; Ben has 4). Both are very, very excited and motivated to keep going again. Woo hoo! By this time next year, the boys could very well be recommended black belts. Be afraid. Be very afraid ;)
Joining the Y has been great. It's made our schedule even busier, though; Tuesdays some homeschool friends have a standing "date" to go swimming and Mon/Wed evenings I've been trying to get to water aerobics. I'm really thinking hard about next Sept and whether or not we'll be doing the library classes (especially the math games). It will mostly depend on two things: first, if I can get the boys to learn to type; second, how many extra-curricular activities they want to participate in. The sitting here and typing for them is really eating into my time to get other stuff done - like dishes, lesson planning, etc. In addition to everything else going on, I just don't have enough time for this!
Okay, well, there's so much more to say, but I don't have time right now...I hope everyone has a fantastic week!
Watched the two hour episode of Lost...more confused than ever!
Ben started multiplication today and did a really nice job figuring out that 0 x a number is always zero and that 1 x a number is always that number. Woo hoo! He mentioned wanting to learn his times tables, so that's why we're doing that now. He's 6, so that interest could come and go many times before it really sinks in and that's fine. :) Connor's using Life of Fred for most of his math now and today he had to calculate the seconds in 31 years. *lol* Now THAT was an interesting problem. Turns out, it's sligtly less than one billion. Good times :)
Connor got frustrated that he's not a calculating whiz - he was upset because he couldn't do all that math in his head. I don't know when he'll ever have to do THAT much math in his head, so I'm trying to get him to calm down about it. I understand why he's frustrated (and I'd go into more detail but I'm tired and have to get up early tomorrow), and I told him that we'd work through it, but it's completely unrealistic to expect to be able to calculate those numbers mentally. Eep!
I wish I had time to write about our game of charades, but I'll do that next time. :)
I loved the fushia streaks that were hidden under my mop of hair, so I decided to put a few on top. I set the timer and went along my merry way to do lots of little, random things. At some point it felt like too long, so I looked at the clock. Huh, seems like the timer should have gone off by now. Hasn't it been an hour since I set that timer? Went to look at the timer, it still had thirty minutes left. I never hit the start button. D'oh! The new, right-on-top, highly visable streaks turned out quite bright. Now, if I were in my early 20's, I'd do one of two things: Dye all my hair some outrageous color or, if I wasn't in the mood to dye again, I'd just shrug and go with it. Who cares, right? But I'm teaching that class and I feel like I need to be a little more conservative. So on that note, I'm sitting here with Manic Panic "Vampire Red" on the streaks, hoping to tone them down a bit.
And now, it's time to rinse. Hopefully it's not worse. *lol*
Connor gave up on the Soda Pop Kit after two sips (now THAT's saying something...usually if there sugar involved, Connor's all in, baby!) and decided to work through his Inventions and Physics kits. Apparently he only has two experiments left and both are "strongly recommended" to be performed outside, so we'll have to wait for those. Then he dug out Ben's Light and Energy kits and tinkered around a bit, but didn't do anything too exciting. Can't wait to take them to TKD so I can have my hour of quiet time (since I didn't get it earlier :) ).
Today--
--had to see a person I've avoided for nearly 6 weeks because she caused a TON of drama right before Xmas. She caused more today. And cornered me (followed me into a bathroom, even!) and would not leave me alone. Grrrrrr.
--was then told about a family that showed up for math games last week and treated everyone like crap because I wasn't there. See, that's the beauty of free classes: they're FREE. In other words, you're not out any money if either party has to miss a class. I followed protocol and posted to the HSing website that I wouldn't be there due to sick kids. This family actually complained to a LOT of people at the library about how "unprofessional" I was. Okay, so I was trying to figure out who in the world this could be...then a mom and her kids from last semester's class walked in and the person relaying the drama from last week nudged me and said, "That's her." OhNoSheDidn't. It was a gal that only showed up the first 4 or 5 weeks of last semester's class. Then she had the NERVE to say (in a REALLY shitty tone), "So we missed you last week." Grrrrr. It was not pretty. Major victory on my part for NOT shoving her teeth down her throat.
--had people comment on my hair and not in a good way (why do these count more than the people who have said, "Cute hair! Love the pink!"?)
So there's my big vent for the week. I'm trying to stay calm about the library stuff, but I'm really angry about it. If one more person complains to me about last week, I'm not going to be able to keep myself from screaming "It's a free class!!! Unwedge your panties and move on with life!" And you know, if having the math games class is so damn important to everyone, why has NO ONE else volunteered to help L run it the last several years?! Yeah. That's what I thought.
And now I'm off to (hopefully) sleep off a raging migraine. :P
Been messing with that granola recipe and trying to come up with a different variation. I'm thinking dried mango and apricot with some coconut and macademia nuts... I'm also anxious to try a different recipe that involves boiling the liquids, then mixing in the dry ingredients and letting it cool before cutting. Very excited about that one because I picked up organic Agave nectar at Costco and am pleasantly surprised at its taste--I think I can safely sub out the honey now!
Anyway...kids are finally better and so far I've managed to avoid the viral crud, so yay :) However, Bill has shingles, so none of us are in the clear yet for that one. The boys are not vaccinated for chicken pox, so we won't know for sure if we've dodged that bullet for another week or so :(
I put two fushia streaks in my hair--strategically placed so that I can wear my hair down and no one would ever know they're there (unless they were looking REALLY hard). I'm going to put in a couple more, maybe tomorrow...I love it! I originally wanted purple, but that requires bleaching and I just didn't want to mess with it. Found a product called "Colour Rays" at CVS and decided to go for it...like I said, I LOVE it! Thursday I had my eye exam and ordered really cute glasses at the urging of the person helping me pick out frames. I've always wanted to go for fun frames, but have never been brave enough. Well, the ones I got are crimson and I am very excited to wear them! Last, I switched hair people. I really liked the gal I'd been going to for a while, but she butchered Connor's, Ben's, AND my hair last time. Anyhow, I have an appt with a new gal on Tuesday...hopefully that goes well :)
And now, back to homeschool stuff...
Here are the recipes!
( Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars (healthy 'cookies') )
( Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Nut Bars )
We are buried in snow. The kids went out and played then came in to hot cocoa--which reminds me that Connor wrote a paper about why winter is his favorite season and included how whenever they come in from the snow, I have hot cocoa ready. So maybe they will remember some of the good times once they're grown. It won't ALL be "nag nag nag, work it out amongst yourselves, nag nag nag, I'm not a referee, nag nag nag..." :D
Attempted to drive up to L's house to get the boys to the slumber party she's having and it was a no-go. Took nearly an hour to go about 10 miles. I couldn't just turn around and go home because none of the side streets were clear. It was crazy. Connor was upset, but both kids understood after we very nearly slid through a red light (going all of 10mph). Scary.
Oooh, the homeschoolers are meeting up in the morning to go sledding. Fun! :)
"Public and private schools provide for many
children a safe haven in which they are both
regarded and respected independently and
individually."
Wow...the author and I have vastly different recollections about what school was like. Here's what I remember: if you did not "fit in", you were ridiculed. If you were a good student, you were a "teacher's pet" or a "nerd". If you were below average, you were a "retard". Unless you were a cheerleader or a jock, you were a "loser". That's just what I remember...and I was pretty popular. I got along with just about everyone. *shrugs* I certainly never felt like it was a "safe haven" and even I, a good student and very active socially, never felt respected. *lol* Nice try, though.As for the rest of the article, she had a few good points; though I think until you are active in a homeschool community you can not accurately judge the benefits and drawbacks. I believe regulation is a slippery slope. Once we start to head down that path, it's too easy to wind up like a few states that basicaly require School At Home. In other words, the curriculum must be approved, your child is required to take standardized tests, etc. I don't want to teach to a test--I want to provide an environment in which the boys are able to learn real-world skills and lessons and apply knowledge they have acquired. My aim isn't to be as good as school--I pulled them out because I honestly believed I could do a better job here at home (and that's saying a LOT because I had absolutely no confidence in my ability to do that for the first several months).
Speaking of, time to get some history and math started. :)
Here's the short version of everything:
It was great visiting with Karen (Bill's mom) for a couple days--the boys have been moping around because she had to leave so soon.
Today (Monday) we had music lessons for the first time in three weeks. Also had TKD, my car had an oil change, and the boys went out to get me a birthday present (cookbooks--YAY! {omg, cookbooks, kitchen gadgets and vacuum cleaners are at the top of my "wish list"--it's official: I'm old. and a mom. and boring, apparently}). I am hoping that my dear friend Beth comes up to visit sometime to help me dye a purple streak in my hair (mid-life crisis perhaps?).
I think Ben's getting sick. Runny nose, miserable, tired, warm-ish before bed tonight. *sigh* Have a feeling the nebulizer is in our very near future. Hopefully we won't have yet another round of pneumonia.
I'm irritated with H (you know, C's girlie-friend?). She told Connor that he's not good at math. I *think* I've managed to turn that around, but I'm still irritated and thinking about having a chat with her mom. Some of what she said was REALLY uncalled for (not to mention blatantly untrue).
Well, I am wiped and need sleep so I can get up and exercise. That's the plan, anyway!
We spent NYE at a friend's house and it was a blast! Some of my favorite people were there, though a few couldn't make it due to the flu :P Anyway, got there around 5:30 and planned to stay until the kids tired out (which we assumed would be around ten--ha!)...and wound up getting back around 1. It was so much fun--played a couple board games, watched the kids run around like maniacs, and enjoyed the adult conversation very much.
Karen made the lengthy drive from NE to spend a few days with us and she got in around 3:30am--I don't know how she does it! Connor's been using his ScienceWiz kits and has made a simple motor, a telegraph, a hovercraft, and has learned about how to figure/change an item's center of gravity. Very neat kits; highly recommend! (He has the Inventions and Physics kits, btw.)
Well, I hate to cut this short, but I'm exhausted and have to run some books back to the library. Hope everyone is well!
It was AMAZING, even through the nasty door...can't wait to take it outside for a test run! The kids really got into it--especially Connor--and I think this will probably become a neat hobby :)
I was SHOCKED to open a KitchenAid stand mixer from my folks and accessories for it from my sister! I have wanted one for years, but could never justify one. And not that it really matters, it's sort of the cherry on top--it's bright RED! I can't tell you how much I appreciate that gift--we're going to have a major dietary change here shortly and I think the KitchenAid should be able to help me make bread dough easily!
Plus, my parents were getting rid of a TV and we desperately need (okay, want) one upstairs so I can exercise without bugging everyone, so that worked out perfectly. I'm so excited! Also, exhausted...so calling it a night. :)
Connor's favorite gift seems to be his spyglass...he just absolutely loves it. It's brass and black leather and was normally $69 on Amazon, but I snagged it for $20. It has a nice little carry container, too, and he is thrilled with it. Ben got the EyeClops night vision Binoculars and they are unbelievable. I think the adults are more impressed than the kid at this point, but that may change once we are outside at night with the telescope (boys will open today at my folks' house).
I have to say that Ben's absolute fave seems to be his little portable CD player and Alvin and The Chipmunks CD. I find this endlessly amusing because the *only* reason I picked those up was to help with quiet time/school time. I thought that while I work with Connor, he might find it easier to leave us alone if he could listen to books on CD or some music. I think my leetle plan is going to work ;) He LOVES it and has had it on more than he's had it off since about 5pm yesterday (even took it up to bed). We got kid-safe earphones so no worries about them playing it too loud. Connor likes his, too, but Ben seems to love it!
Okay, well, more later... hope everyone has a happy weekend :)
Chicken (I use three chicken breasts but you can use more)
2 cans chicken broth (I didn't have cans of broth, so I just estimated with water + bouillon cubes)
4 cans cream of chicken soup (used 99% fat free)
celery
carrots
red potatoes
Add:
Chicken, broth, celery, carrots and potatoes to crock pot. Add some salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 hours on high.
Add cream of chicken soup, stir in.
30* minutes before eating add dumplings:
3 cups Bisquick
1 cup milk
Mix into dough. Roll into loose balls and drop into crock pot.
Serves about 4
This made a lot of dumplings and filled my crock to the top (it's the standard, buy off the shelf at Target size).
*It took about 60-75 mins for the dumplings to cook, so plan accordingly. :)
Random things:
--has anyone else watched Modern Family? It's one of the few shows that makes me laugh out loud every single episode. I hope it stays on air next season! I'm going to start exercising to it...it'll help the time fly by :)
--made chicken and dumplings in the crock and it was amazing! Kids don't like it (surprise, surprise) and for once I don't care--more for me!
--have a ton to get done today and hope it all gets crossed off by mid-afternoon so we can relax.
Ben is out-of-his-mind excited for tomorrow. Connor is excited, too, but he's not asking every 10mins if he can "open just one present today...PLEEEEEAAAAASSSE?" This is the first year that Connor actually wants to wait until Christmas morning to touch the presents. Nice change of pace, but pure torture for Ben. Today they'll get to open one small gift (watches I found at Kohl's for $5 each) and if they choose, the gifts for one another.
Alright, I'm going to make cut-out cookie dough so it'll be ready when they come down. So excited for them to see the crazy forts tomorrow! I'm going back and forth between setting up the igloo design in the living room and just wrapping the boxes tonight...thoughts? I thought it would be neat for them to come down and see it, but maybe it would be better to let them build the first thing on their own...we'll see. Might take longer to wrap than to put the igloo together. *lol* Okay, happy happy and merry merry to you all!
http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/1
And if you think this is a good idea, do you say right in front of the child that you called the police to "put a scare in her"? *headdesk*
Is anyone else having problems with LJ? My text sizes changes from paragraph to paragraph and after hitting post, either goes up or down a couple sizes, so I have been editing every single post. What's going on? I'm using Rich Text; should I switch to HTML?
