Life is just a bowl of (pitted) cherries

Our beautiful weather has continued this week. It's amazing. The weatherman hasn't been this off in a long time. About every-other-day they forecast rain, but the lovely weather just continues. If it seems like I am obsessing about this too much, you evidently don't know Northwest weather. Our rainy season lasts 8 months long! So I'm just making sure the controller of all weather knows I appreciate it.

My little ones are on the mend. Maybe the fresh air is helping. They've been on the trampoline every day for a week! Unfortunately, mom (myself) seems to be the germy one now. But with our vacation coming up next week, and hubby putting in tons of extra hours, this is no time to slow down. My days have been full of new projects for school (I printed about 500 copies yesterday), day-to-day homeschool, getting the house ship-shape for vacation (I hate coming home from vacation to a dirty house!) and multiple other things that would totally bore you to read!

I also am doing well on my diet. Now that my clothes are fitting better, that's all the incentive I need. But I am finding it hard to squeeze in the workout routine and muscle-toning that I want to do- those activities seem to get left til the end of the day, not the best time to do exercise.

One of the joys of my diet is the fact that cherries (my favorite fruit) are both low-calorie and unbelievably delicious!
At my local grocery outlet (much like an Aldi's, only better), I came across a bag of frozen sweet cherries. I tried them, and I was hooked. So I stocked up on them (via the tax money) and have some every day.

The other day I generously shared some with my children. My middle son came up to me and said "Mom, I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but there's something wrong with these cherries." Of course, my first thought was that he had found some kind of bug in them, which would be a major turn-off to me- quess I'd have to give all those bags of cherries in the fridge to the kids (just kidding). He came closer and held one out for inspection "See, they have holes in them!" Filled with relief, I explained to him that this took all the work out of eating the cherries, leaving only the enjoyment.

Which led me to think about the fact that even when there are "pits" in our life (and everyone would agree being sick is the pits!) there are usually many other things to be thankful for (like beautiful weather), if we only think about it.

Taking into consideration, of course, that it's hard to think at all with a clogged head!

Of Beautiful weather and Sick babies

In spite of the persistent claims of wet weather coming our way, we have had truly beautiful weather here- especially for this time of year. It has been sunny, with highs in the fifties. Considering it is our rainy season, this hiatus is enough to make a person delirious.

Unfortunately, the germs are circulately right on schedule.

My little girl is asleep on my bed right now. She has a chest cold that seems to be getting worse, making her sound like a miniature locomotive. It would be funny if it wasn't so pitiful. I hate it when my babies are sick- and they are always your babies when they are sick (even the ten-year-old).

And some well-meaning person felt the need to tell me today that some children have gotten pneumonia from it and a few have died- I really don't need to hear things like this!

So I am thinking of picking her up and rocking her while she sleeps. And suddenly it makes me remember when she had the same thing as a baby....and it's hard to believe that was five years ago. Time goes by so quickly....

So here's to hoping the lovely weather stays, and the nasty germs go.

Exploring the Seven Seas

I am SO very excited about a new study we are beginning as part of our homeschool.

I found it at home school in the woods and just couldn't wait to buy it.

Well, I had to wait- that was almost a year ago. We homeschool on a very low budget- as in often no budget at all. But that's beside the point.

It is a study of New World Explorers which includes not only explorers, but Pirates! That's right Mateys- what boy wouldn't like to study about that? I am hoping there was maybe one good pirate- you know, like Robin Hood of the Sevens Seas?

There are so many projects and hands-on activities included as part of the study. I really think we are going to have a great time doing this together.

Since most of my readers do not homeschool, thanks for putting up with this post. I just needed somewhere to spill out the overflow of enthusiam about this. It's times like this that I love the freedom of choice homeschooling brings.

So if I start sounding like Captain Jack- you know where I'm coming from~

Assorted Updates

The last week has passed by so quickly it seems like a blur.

My trip to Seattle went well, but was extremely exhausting- I guess 10 hrs on a train will do that to you. My girlfriend brought a big bag of clothing for my daughter, which was a great blessing- she's growing so fast it's hard to keep up. I will say that shopping in Seattle was sensory overload, they have SO many stores in a relatively small area. I was definitely glad to get back to my small town.

This past weekend we purchased a new vehicle for me and the kids. Of course, when I say new I mean new-to-me.
It's a '95 Ford Winstar and I couldn't be more thrilled. For the last six months we've been doing the drop-daddy-off-at-work routine whenever we needed the car for the day. Which wasn't too bad- until he started putting in the long hours. It makes such a difference when you're homeschooling to have a car to take the kids out every once in a while.

We also got another computer up-and-running for the kids to use for school. And a new set of bunk beds for the boys room.

Have you figured out we got our taxes back yet?

Fortunately, we were able to get everything off of our local craigslist, but it did require alot of running back and forth. Which I usually do not care for- unless it's saving me lots of money!

Since I have barely been at my computer, I was also clueless as to what has been going on politically. But I found out I haven't missed much- Hillary and Barack are still swinging at each other.

Now that I think of it, it might be better if they would settle it all with a good knock-down-drag-out fight. And if they did it pay-per-view, they could use the proceeds to pay for more commercial time.

Wow- what an idea! Think I'll call my agent and see if I can set that up- I know you'd pay to see that one!

Off to Seattle!

Well, my body (my neck in particular)got a tune-up at the Chiropractor today. So I feel better, but sore. I try to drink tons of water after an adjustment to help flush out those released toxins, but it doesn't do much for the soreness.

The exciting news: I'm off to Seattle to see my best friend from college (also my maid of honour). She lives on an Island in Alaska (out in the boondocks, she says) and so it's a rare treat that we get to see each other. She will be in Seattle for a few days, so I'm hopping a train (almost a 5 hr trip!) and going to spend some time with her.

Meanwhile, hubby took a couple days off to stay with the kids. They'll have a ball, and I'm thinking they really can't do that much damage to the house in a 36 hr period....I'm obviously in denial!!!

*CONGRATULATIONS to Nikki from Nikki's Notes on the birth of a brand new baby boy!

To be Continued....

No, I have not deserted my democracy series. I am actually finding more food for thought as hubby and I discuss the issues being raised in this years political race (and the issues NOT being raised).
Most of our conversations rotate around kids and church, so this has added a little spice to the mix, so to speak.

That said, I have to admit severe headaches have sidetracked me for the time being. I suffer from migraines, but have pretty much gotten the count down to 2 per month. However, when my neck injury acts up, it goes to basically a constant dull roar. The Chiropracter wants me in his office 2x a week- I'm thinking he has a kid or two he must be putting through college, LoL . I wonder if Hilary's health plan will cover Chiropractors.....?

I went through my stretches this morning, noticed the fireworks weren't shooting off in my head, and hit the floor running to get as much housework/schoolwork done as I could. Being that I have 3 somewhat willing helpers, we're doing pretty good so far. It's so nice when those fireworks stop.

So, if all goes well, part 3 coming soon!

PS. Did I mention I'm running a children's program at church for the next 2 nights during special meetings? That's sure to keep the headaches away! Thank goodness hubbys my somewhat willing partner! LoL

Lessons in Democracy- Part 2

I have to say, I NEVER thought I would find myself googling for an image of Hilary Clinton (hope my father doesn't find out-I'm sure to be disowned!). But I'm determined to do a thorough and fair job of these lessons with my son.

So we start with Hilary Clinton. I'd like to say I wanted to get the worse out of the way first; but to be truthful, I don't think I can say that. One of my top complaints with Hilary: she's too shrill. And I keep hearing echoes of her voice saying: it's a right-wing conspiracy. She had such faith in Bill.

But this is not a personality contest. So exactly how is she different from Barack Obama?

When you find the answer to that one- Let me know! Seriously, she and Obama are so similar that I am having to really work to find any differences.

And I'm not the only one. More than a few people asked by the media concerning their Super Tuesday votes said: "I don't know WHAT to do. I came here to vote for Hilary/Obama, but when I got in the booth, I voted for the other one!"

Now some of their supporters would have you believe there are big differences in some of their Senate votes; I could (and will if you really want me to) cite some of these supposed differences. But when you distill them down, there is not much substance to their claims, atleast not on the main issues.

One difference I did find: Hilary Clinton DID vote to go to war after 9/11. Obama was firmly against it.

But wait just a second- Obama was not even a Senator then- sounds like a little monday morning quarterbacking to me! He had nothing to lose by his stand, no one to answer to. And once he got into office, he was mostly silent on the issue until recently (wonder what prompted that?) .

And Please tell me I DIDN'T just defend Hilary Clinton! (forgive me Dad).

And if I chose one on the strength of that decision, it would have to be Hilary. Just what does Mr. Obama think we should have done?.

Would he rather we had told that mean ol' Osama Bin Laden that " He better not do it again, and we mean it!"

Now that I think of it, that's just what we did do!

And when given the chance to enact Sen. Russ Feingold's measure ordering Bush to withdraw most U.S. troops by July 1, 2007, both Clinton and Obama voted "NO."

Their main policy division: healthcare. Let me just say, if this is a main issue to you, you can go ahead and read the fine print. While Hillary is definitely pulling in some people with her "universal health plan", I'm afraid I'm not buying it's as easy a fix as Mrs.Clinton would like the average person to think.
And yes, I have been without healthcare for myself and my children and know what a hard and difficult situation it can be.

So my conclusion is: Hilary and Obama are just too much alike when you look at the facts.

Enter: Political catch phrases. You know, those catchy phrases that supporters can repeat mindlessly without really having to think about what they are saying, or how truthful it is . Sounds similar to brainwashing techniques I've heard of.

Does America want experience or change?

Yes, Hillary has been there, done that (somewhat). And some of what was done there we definitely don't want to happen again. Hopefully Bill will be given a job doing something that keeps him far from the oval office.... But I digress.

Hillary says we need someone who can" wrest the power" from the present White House leadership as soon as they get into office (meaning her over Obama). Let me just ask, is she planning to arm-wrestle Bush? Does she think when she arrives George Bush is going to refuse to budge, claiming "I'm King of this hill!" (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Enough with the drama! If you really have the qualifications Hillary, just say so (minus the drama).

I admit some of the changes Obama speaks of sound good; so much so that some Republicans are crossing over to his side. He plans to "overcome partisanship" and "restore faith in the government." Some are even hailing him as another J.F.K. - including some of the Kennedy family themselves.

What makes me a little nervous about Obama is how often the fact that he is so nice is brought up as a (?) qualifying trait. I read a newspaper article that said, and I quote, "He's someone you feel like you could have to dinner and talk over the Super bowl without any discomfort." Come again?

What does that have to do with anything?

At the end of the day, I feel SO confused! There would seem to be so much talk and so little substance. I thought with reading so many articles the division would be clear. Not so.

And if you have issues with any of these items I have pointed out, take it up with the Liberal writers whose many articles I read in an effort to find differences between these two candidates.

Yes, that's right. You don't have to go to the other sides (as in Republicans) camp to get ammunition any more.

Dare I say it? Rush Limbagh can be silent for awhile; the Democrats are shooting up each other just fine.

*If interested in reading more on the Clinton vs. Obama saga, here's a link:

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/01/28/080128fa_fact_packer

***JUST TO LET ALL KNOW: I did not deny my family basic care or attention to write this post, I actually did it while everyone was safely tucked in bed. I spend very little time actually on politics, so it is a fun little hobby in my down time. While some may think Christian moms should stay out of it, this is a stimulating fun project for me right now, just as you have things you do that I might not totally agree with. It would be a boring world if we all thought and did things exactly alike.

Lessons in Democracy- Part 1

I have decided to do a study of the election process (and all the rigamoral preceding it) with my ten-year-old son. He will be 14 before there is another "big" election, and being that lately our Presidents have been going double terms, he may be voting age before another "brand new" President is put in office (let's just hope we have more choices when that one comes around).

And I absolutely am NOT doing it to legitimatize my dabbling in politics- shame on you for even thinking so!

We're going to start with the "final four" (so to speak) and make charts of where they stand on main issues; at the present time, as well as in the past (ever notice how quickly this changes?).

What we do not plan to focus on: race, gender, religion, whether they are a good dancer, whether Streisand/Oprah/Kennedys/Hollywood stars are endorsing them (I really WAS breathlessly waiting), how moral they or their spouse may be (this is not a legitimate consideration any more; we've been enlightened), whether they are masquerading as a wolf in sheeps clothing. (If you are attaching any names to these, remember they're your thoughts, not mine).

As Sargeant Friday would say: Just the facts, ma'm

Well, I think I finally got that out of my system. Now I'll go teach my son how the greatest country in the world elects its Leader (for better or worse).