Kelly's Chaos

14 Days of Homeschooling

2008-12-09T15:28:00.001-08:00

Here’s a song some of you may relate to. Hope you get a kick out of the
additional 2 days added on. I think I was that person once upon a time.

14 Days of Homeschooling

On the first day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can you homeschool
legally?"

On the second day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Are they
socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the third day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Do you give them
tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fourth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What about P.E., do
you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fifth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "YOU ARE SO STRANGE,
what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you
homeschool legally?"

On the sixth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How long will you
homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are
they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the seventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Look at what
they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what
about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool
legally?"

On the eighth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Why do you do this,
look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO
STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can
you homeschool legally?"

On the ninth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "They'll miss the
prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you
homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are
they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the tenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What about
graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're
missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E.,
do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the eleventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "I could never do
that, what about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look
at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE,
what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you
homeschool legally?"

On the twelfth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can they go to
college, I could never do that, what about graduation, they'll miss the
prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you
homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are
they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the thirteenth day of homeschool I thoughtfully replied: "They can go to
college, yes you can do this, they can have graduation, we don't like the
prom, we do it `cuz we like it, they are missing nothing, we'll homeschool
forever, WE ARE NOT STRANGE!, we give them P.E., and we give them tests,
they are socialized, AND WE HOMESCHOOL LEGALLY!

On the fourteenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How can I get
started, why didn't you tell me, where do I buy curriculum, when is the next
conference, WILL PEOPLE THINK WE'RE STRANGE?, I think we can do this, if you
will help us, we will join a sports team and we'll homeschool legally."

World Vision: Aids Orphans and Vulnerable Children Kits

2008-11-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

My family and I are taking this challenge Very seriously. Anyone wishing to help us make our goal can download the flyer at the end and mail it in to the Journey office.

Blessings!
The Byrne Family

The Journey and World Vision are partnering to equip and encourage orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) living in impoverished communities in sub-Saharan Africa. We will be the first church in the nation to participate in a brand new program that prepares special kits for orphans and vulnerable children!

World Vision - Testimony: AIDS Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Africa

Journey AIDS Experience: December 7, 2008

We will be putting together the OVC Kits on Sunday, December 7th. Invite your friends, co-workers, and family members to come make a difference:

Goal: Produce 1,500 Kits - each containing necessary supplies that will benefit these children at great risk. Total cost of this effort $28,500.

Download the attached form below to see all the details.
Email Jason Jones with questions - Jjones@rbf.com

Here is our challenge directly from World Vision:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx2TCQFdfR8

This is what Democracy and the freedom of speech have come down to in the UNITED STATES

2008-10-27T00:59:00.000-07:00

Its only FREE as long as you agree with the opposition. We are NOT a third world country run by dictatorship. We are all protected by the 1st amendment. This is why we have democracy! What gives you the RIGHT??? To vandalize someone's home who disagrees with you???? Is this how you show love? You have painted Love 4 all and equal Rights? Aren't you showing the opposite?? We were peaceful, going about democracy and not putting fear into people to change their vote. MY BALLOT WAS CAST LAST WEEK! I was sympathizing, now I just have anger and I am GLAD I voted the way I did! You did NOTHING but CONFIRM MY VOTE!!!

GROW UP PEOPLE!

Kid funny's today

2008-09-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Ok I dont know what it is, but my daughter is on a role today. I thought I would blog what she said.

We are working on who community workers are (yup still working on community) Anyway she was coloring all the workers. I asked her if she had figured out who all the workers were. She started to name them off:

Caitlin: " police officer, teacher, postal worker, doctor, fireman, oh yeah and this lady, shes a programmer"
Kelly: "do you mean librarian?"
Caitlin: "No shes a programmer, see she has a computer"
Kelly: "how does a programmer help the community?"
Caitlin: "I dunno, but they are important"
Kelly: "do they help the community?"
Caitlin: "no not really..."

We live in a house with a programmer, Daddy will be thrilled to know he is an important community worker.....and without him life would cease :-D

Kelly: "Caitlin I asked you repeatedly to stop bothering your brother"
Caitlin : SILENCE
Kelly: "do you hear me? I said leave him alone!"
Caitlin: SILENCE
Kelly: " Caitlin do you hear me?"
Caitlin: "Yea I hear everything...."

Writing it out doesn't give it as much justice as hearing in RL. But it made me crack up.

Unwrapping the Gifted

2008-09-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

I'm re-posting this on my blog from a site I visit frequently called Unwrapping the Gifted. I read this posting and my heart sank. I've had many conversations with Tom and his mom about what it was like for him growing up. I want to be better prepared for what I'm up against with my daughter(and possibly our son). She's a carbon copy of my husband who is also gifted. School for him was a nightmare and we as a family want to change that for our kids. We want learning to be a joyous experience and a great time of exploration. But my biggest fear raising a Gifted child is that she will suffer from depression. Caitlin is a social butterfly and wants to be friends with everyone. She has a tremendous heart after God and just loves on people. Her compassion far outweighs anything I've ever seen before. But she struggles with making friends and keeping them. After a time they find her "weird". I hate that. It breaks my heart and crushes me to my core. Kids can be so cruel, I just wish that other parents taught their children to tolerate as Tom and I teach our own. We explain differences to our kids so that they can be compassionate to others and learn to live with others differences. Anyway, she has come to me many occasions at the park crying. She was trying so hard to find someone to play with and no one would acknowledge her. No one would include her in their play. She would then ask me, whats wrong with me, why dont they like me, I have no friends here. And this is my fear, that she will feel so left out that she will become depressed and withdrawn.

A few months ago, we started to attend OT once a week with other girls similar to Caitlin (she's the youngest but gets along better with children that are older than she) with similar social issues. Some are more extreme then Caitlin and some are the same. Anyway, before we put her in this group I could see us slipping down a path where my 6.5 year old was becoming depressed. I didn't know it at the time that she was depressed because it was manifesting in other ways behaviorally. I didn't *GET* her, other kids didn't *GET* her or understand why she did the things she did or why normal girly things didn't interest her. Eventually, I know this sounds crazy but, I had to mourn the child I thought I had, and rejoice in the one I was getting to know. I learned to not care that playing barbies wasn't her favorite play time activity but that looking through a microscope was. She's succeeding and I see from the sparkle in her eye that I have my little girl back. I never want to slip back in that place where its her against the world. I thank God everyday for The Lighthouse Project. Its bringing my angel back to a place where she enjoys herself and is getting to know some really great kids she can have some lasting friendships with. We are lukcy, most families dont know something is going on with their children till much later. I've had numerous moms tell me, "at least your finding out now (her peers in her group are 2 years older). But because we are so involved and we homeschool (which helps a TON, we dont have to fight school district red tape), we know our kids very well and what their needs are so that we can get them resources early or give them encouragement in the areas where they struggle. So for now my hope is that we can steer clear of depression and direct her to a life that is full of challenges and wonderful experiences and to help make her life fulfilling. So that she may one day leave her imprint on the world.

Unwrapping the Gifted
written by Tamara Fisher
Good-bye, M.B.
Posted: 10 Sep 2008 08:55 AM CDT

Good-bye, M.B… School has started once again, yet you are not here with us. We’ve re-convened after a summer of travel and relaxation, learning and camps, celebrations, … and mourning your death. The other kids come in with their backpacks over their shoulders and I think of you, the one who didn’t make it back…

Your easy grin, your brilliant curiosity, your penchant for deep questions and conversation, your friends who have carried on so admirably without you… I have found thoughts of each of these wandering in from the back of my mind at odd moments during this first week of school. Back when you were a little 3rd grader, talking as fast as you could think but faster than I could listen, I never imagined this moment.

I look at my little 3rd graders today and can’t bear to imagine it with any of them.

This is the painful part of teaching, when the ‘real world’ yanks our classroom doors open and sweeps in without warning to snatch away the future, when all our positive efforts seem to have been for naught, when learning comes from Life’s hard lessons.

Back in my undergraduate days, I remember my EdPsych professor posing a terrible question in class one day: “What will you do when one of your students dies?” She said if we taught for enough years, it would probably happen at some point. Of course, in our youthful eager idealism, it never seemed possible back then. We were going to be teachers to change the world, to make a difference, not to struggle with these agonizing questions.

But here are her questions again, battling in my mind. How do we support our students when something like this happens? How do we balance giving ourselves time and space to mourn yet still be strong and supportive for our students? What is a teacher’s role in the aftermath of tragedy?

Nowadays, particularly after 9-11, schools have plans in place for dealing with the variety of tragic (or even just challenging) situations that can befall us. And those plans do help – a lot.

But the pain is still there, and teachers are human, too.

And perhaps that’s part of what we can give our students at a time like this – letting them see a glimpse of our humanity, a peek into our “real-person-ness.” Maybe it’s like those moments when we see a student at the grocery store and he is blown away by the fact that we have lives outside of the school building. “You buy groceries, too?” Of course! And we also cry, too…

Life goes on, and learning goes on, and we must go on, too.

***** ***** *****

I actually wrote the above portion of today’s post a year ago – and have struggled ever since with whether or not to post it, whether or not to broach the broader not-yet-mentioned topic, and how to deftly, accurately, and sensitively talk about it…

September is Suicide Prevention month, and today, September 10th, is Suicide Prevention Day.

Some people tend to assume that suicide occurs less frequently among this group of bright kids who seem to have everything going for them. Other people tend to assume that it occurs more often among the gifted because the existential nature of a gifted person (including existential depression) can lend itself to some dark thinking.

But what does the research say about suicide and the gifted? It’s a mixed bag – and at this point in time the bag isn’t very full yet, so that’s a complicated and difficult question to answer (1, 2). There is some research (1, 2, 3) with – among other things – a conclusion that gifted students may be at more risk for suicide (the third link cites other studies that appear to have reached that conclusion). Yet one study (1) deduces there just isn’t enough accurate data available on this topic yet to draw precise conclusions. Some studies show that it occurs at about the same rate (not a significantly more or less frequent rate) as it does in average, same-aged peers (1, 2, 3). Finally, chapter 7 of "The Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Kids" by Tracy Cross does a great job of covering the overall topic and its inconclusive research base.

Perhaps the most oft-cited authority on suicide and the gifted, though, is a research summary in "The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Children: What Do We Know?" by Maureen Neihart, Sally M. Reis, Nancy M. Robinson, Sidney M. Moon. These two quotations come from that text:

"Although it is a popular notion that gifted children are at risk for higher rates of depression and suicide than their average, no empirical data supports this belief, except for students who are creatively gifted in the visual arts and writing (see Neihart & Olenchak, this volume). Nor, however, is there good evidence that rates of depression and suicide are significantly lower among populations of gifted children."

“It is not at all clear whether suicide is more or less common in gifted adolescents than other adolescents – the statistics simply are not available – although it is easy to develop rationales why the rates should be higher or lower.”

But even if the statistics don’t indicate it being any more or less of a problem for the gifted, it’s still a tragedy in each individual case - and in all cases of all ages and types of people. I wish that I remembered my students M.B. and R.V. for bigger reasons than how they died.

In part because of M.B.’s death last summer, a service-oriented student organization at our high school conducted a week-long series of suicide awareness events this past spring. One of my students, a friend of M.B.’s, was among the handful of kids who put in countless hours over many weeks to organize and run the awareness week. His dedication to the task as well as his assistance for his fellow students was impressively thorough. But having so much on his plate during that time, something had to give, and that something was his until-that-point 4.0 GPA. At first disappointed in himself for “failing” to maintain his perfect grades, he soon reached the most important conclusion: “Yeah, I got a B in Math… But I saved two lives.” I couldn’t have been more proud :o)

So… today’s post is in part my way of finally having the guts to put those above thoughts out there – and also about linking you up with what the somewhat-limited research says about suicide among the gifted. Most importantly, though, I want to leave you with some valuable resources to access should you want or need to learn the signs of someone considering suicide, should you be concerned that someone in your life is contemplating suicide, or should you – heaven forbid – need some tips for how to handle the aftermath.

Suicide Among Gifted Adolescents: How to Prevent It

An Overview: Understanding and Assessing Suicide in the Gifted

National Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK
or NSPL at MySpace

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

National Association for Mental Illness

Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Feel free to add your own resource ideas as well :o)

A scripture

2008-08-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

" 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

I corinthians 13:2-3

This really resonated with me today. Really touched my heart and how I'm feeling lately.

2008-08-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Please consider donating to The Dream Project. My sister is there in Mozambique helping Julie and Michael. Its an amazing place and our family feels we should help in some way and the next best way to being there is to fundraise for them. My kids usually want to do a fundraiser like a lemonade stand to earn the money. Its a fun way that our little ones can make their impact on the world.

http://www.thedream-project.org/

Giftedness

2008-08-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Common Myths About Gifted Students

Gifted students are a homogeneous group, all high achievers.
Gifted students do not need help. If they are really gifted, they can manage on their own.
Gifted students have fewer problems than others because their intelligence and abilities somehow exempt them from the hassles of daily life.
The future of a gifted student is assured: a world of opportunities lies before the student.
Gifted students are self-directed; they know where they are heading.
The social and emotional development of the gifted student is at the same level as his or her intellectual development.
Gifted students are nerds and social isolates.
The primary value of the gifted student lies in his or her brain power.
The gifted student's family always prizes his or her abilities.
Gifted students need to serve as examples to others and they should always assume extra responsibility.
Gifted students make everyone else smarter.
Gifted students can accomplish anything they put their minds to. All they have to do is apply themselves.
Gifted students are naturally creative and do not need encouragement.
Gifted children are easy to raise and a welcome addition to any classroom.

Truths About Gifted Students

Gifted students are often perfectionistic and idealistic. They may equate achievement and grades with self-esteem and self-worth, which sometimes leads to fear of failure and interferes with achievement.
Gifted students may experience heightened sensitivity to their own expectations and those of others, resulting in guilt over achievements or grades perceived to be low.
Gifted students are asynchronous. Their chronological age, social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development may all be at different levels. For example, a 5-year-old may be able to read and comprehend a third-grade book but may not be able to write legibly.
Some gifted children are "mappers" (sequential learners), while others are "leapers" (spatial learners). Leapers may not know how they got a "right answer." Mappers may get lost in the steps leading to the right answer.
Gifted students may be so far ahead of their chronological age mates that they know more than half the curriculum before the school year begins! Their boredom can result in low achievement and grades.
Gifted children are problem solvers. They benefit from working on open-ended, interdisciplinary problems; for example, how to solve a shortage of community resources. Gifted students often refuse to work for grades alone.
Gifted students often think abstractly and with such complexity that they may need help with concrete study- and test-taking skills. They may not be able to select one answer in a multiple choice question because they see how all the answers might be correct.
Gifted students who do well in school may define success as getting an "A" and failure as any grade less than an "A." By early adolescence they may be unwilling to try anything where they are not certain of guaranteed success.
Adapted from College Planning for Gifted Students, 2nd edition, by Sandra Berger.

A funny story

2008-08-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

So my husband and I last night were discussing what we were all going to dress up like for Halloween. After a few suggestions here and there I said," why dont we go as I'm a mac, I'm a PC? " He thinks thats a great idea. After thinking for a few minutes I look up at him and say, "But I'm NOT PC." He gets cranky and says, "Well Neither am I!" So I guess that idea is out....

The Story

2008-08-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

An amazing inspirational story

2008-08-24T14:03:00.001-07:00

Unwrapping the Gifted

2008-08-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

I found this very interesting especially knowing Tom's schooling history. I think his school years would have been so much easier had teachers had this viewpoint.

Varsity Academics
Posted: 20 Aug 2008 09:20 PM CDT
Hello from the Ice Cream Capital of the World!

On the morning of July 7, I had my TV on in the other room while I was getting ready for the day. I overheard an interview on the Today Show that Matt Lauer did with swimmer Dara Torres. The day before, she had managed to qualify for her fifth Olympics at the age of 41, even breaking an American record (for the ninth time in that event!) in the qualifying process.

Near the end of the interview, Matt asked Dara how she did it, noting his age and noting hers. (They know each other off-camera, it might be important to mention.) “When I turned 40,” he said, “I had trouble going up stairs. I was winded more easily.”

After describing her workout regimen and then outlining how she was proactively being regularly blood-tested to prove that she was doing all this cleanly, she said to Matt, good-naturedly and with a twinkle in her eye,

“And besides, you know, maybe I’m a little more athletically gifted than you are.”

It was funny! She pulled it off really well and I know she got a chuckle out of both Matt and I. And besides – it was true. She’s clearly far more athletically gifted than nearly all of us.

But then I got to thinking…

It’s never funny when someone – even good naturedly and with a twinkle in their eye – says,

“And besides, you know, maybe I’m a little more intellectually gifted than you are.”

Nope. That’s pretty much a party stopper. We feel offended. We can’t believe someone would have the gall to say something so arrogant. We lose respect for someone with such an “inflated ego.”

Not that I would advocate anyone go around actually saying that! I was just struck by how okay it felt to hear Dara say that – and how not okay it would feel to hear it the other way.

But we have different standards, dare I say a double standard, when it comes to athletics.

Before I go any further, I want to be clear that I’m not knocking athletics. They’re important, valuable, worthwhile, and a model means of developing talent. My own sister was a high school varsity athlete, and there was nothing like the thrill of watching her team win back-to-back state championships (my vantage point was from the Pep Band section ;o)

It’s just that I’m baffled by our double standard when it comes to varsity academics.

When it comes to sports, we don’t have any trouble supporting an individual’s pursuit of greater levels of achievement. We cheer them on, we donate to the Booster Club, we raise a fuss if the football team goes on the school district’s chopping block. (It never does, but you know what I mean.) And we should do all of that. Those students have talent that most of the rest of us don’t. It’s okay to celebrate the development of their athletic talent! And it should remain so.

And yet our students who excel intellectually are – sometimes, often times? – made fun of in school, teased for being bookworms and “walking encyclopedias,” not allowed to move ahead in the curriculum because they might begin to “think too highly of themselves” (or because it’s inconvenient for the teacher), and believed to be “okay as they are” – no need to push them any further in their talent areas.

So it’s okay to develop athletic talent, but try starting a gifted program in your school to develop intellectual talent and there’s bound to be someone (or many someones) who will be opposed on grounds that it’s “elitist” or “unnecessary” (they’re “already where they need to be,” after all). How can we justify putting money into kids who are already “succeeding” when we have so many other kids who – I agree – deserve our every effort to help them learn?

*sigh* Shouldn’t EVERY child be able to LEARN to their capacity in school of all places‽‽‽ Aren’t schools for learning?

Maybe we can use the vocabulary of talent development to help ourselves explain why it’s necessary to put effort into kids who have already met (or more typically far surpassed) grade-level expectations. The Olympics don’t inspire us because the bar is set at an average level. They inspire us because the bar is set quite high and each individual is stretched to his or her capacity, often amazing us and themselves in the process! Olympic athletes don’t achieve all that they do because they stayed with the crowd and learned how to swim in the same way average a-few-times-a-summer swimmers learned. They break records and accomplish what hadn’t been accomplished before (breaking a record nine times, for example), because they and their coaches focused effort on developing the talent that was already there. Good enough isn’t anywhere near good enough for them.

There are some of us out here who recognize that gifted children tend to have natural talent in one or more areas and we want to let them develop those talents to their fullest potential. We want them to be able to GROW. Do we expect gifted athletes like Dara to learn their skills in a heterogeneous group taught at an average pace? Of course not. At some point, in order to pursue what she was capable of, she had to break away from that and follow a far more challenging course.

We send all children to Physical Education classes because we want all children to learn about and develop their physical fitness. It’s important for all on some level. However, some children have greater levels of athletic talent, and they are selected for our athletic teams so that they can further develop their talent to its fullest potential. We don’t expect them to magically develop that talent further on their own or solely through P.E. classes. We recognize that they need advanced training to polish what they begin with and to stretch them to where they are capable of going. It is (or should be) the same for our intellectually gifted children who have greater levels of thinking ability and academic talent. We can’t expect them to magically develop those talents further solely through regular education classes. We must recognize that they need advanced training to polish what they begin with and to stretch them to their fullest potential.

It’s the same philosophy! Development of talent – any kind of talent – doesn’t happen magically or on its own!

Developing the talents of our advanced learners means releasing the constraints on our teachers, too. They’re up against some tough walls! Some of them are only allowed to teach a certain page on a certain day saying only the script from the book (whether the kids are ready for it, or not, or far past that point), making differentiation near impossible – or even, in essence, “against the rules.” Most teachers have a huge range of student abilities to accommodate within their classrooms. And nearly all of them have received little or no training on the needs of gifted students. When it comes to understanding and reaching gifted learners, the deck is stacked against our teachers.

“Confine plant forms to a container and you will know exactly the dimensions they shall reach. Confine your teachers to your restricting curricula and your paperwork and you will know exactly the dimensions they shall reach. And each budding branch and each extending child shall not extend far beyond the perimeters of their confinement. Space determines the shape of all living things.” ~ Bob Stanish ~

My challenge for you this school year: find a crack in the container and start chipping away! Otherwise we will know the only dimensions that we and our varsity learners shall ever reach.

GO BUCKS!

2008-08-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

I'm totally excited for this years OSU (ohio state) Football season!

Anna's Missionary Video

2008-08-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

I cried....thats all I can really say.

Flat Stanley's Travels

2008-08-19T09:09:00.001-07:00

So last year we went to see an AMAZING play called Flat stanley. Below you can read the premise of his story.

This book/play is about a young boy named Stanley who is accidentally squished "as flat as a pancake" when a bulletin board falls on him. Stanley is very, very flat but otherwise fine. The story goes on to tell how Stanley discovers some real advantages to being flat. He can slide under doors, go down into sidewalk grates, and even fold himself up small enough to fit into an envelope and be mailed to California (from a city far away in the USA) for an exciting vacation.

Which gave way to the Flat Stanley Project. Which we use as a way to teach our kids about different communities and Geography.

Our pictures of Flat Stanley and his first travels. His first stop was Guam. HIs next stop is Victoria Island BC. Then we are hoping we can get my cousin to host him in Oman.

Below are the pics from Guam. They went hiking along the coast where some of the WWII Japanese hideouts and wreckage were. There is also an American Naval Base on the Island. If you didn't know. Guam is a territory of the US.

Just a Walmart Rant!

2008-08-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ok so today I am getting prepped for school to start in a week. Lots to do some rushing around, craziness. Last night I went to Walmart. Now I really dislike Walmart, but I needed to put together some backpacks for the kids for the VBS camp this week. They are doing donations for kids school supplies through City Team Ministries. Now I needed to go somewhere where I could get enough supplies for 4 kids inexpensively. Why 4? I have no idea, I just felt led to do 4 kids and lately when God talks I've been obeying. So 4 it was. Anyway, I pull into the driveway and realize why I NEVER go to Walmart. I HATE IT! Its like your driving right into the Ghetto. No seriously. Anyway so I go in, and there are so many people in there, its crowed, and its 9 at night. Its ALWAYS that way here. We have like 4 Walmarts for Vicinity between South San Jose/East San Jose/Mountain View and North Milpitas. This includes all the little cities in between. So not a lot to go around, so they are ALWAYS jammed packed. So I get what I go in there to get and with no shortage of shoving and toes being run over by shopping carts and trying to manuever between everything everyone has thrown on the floor. (people dig through everything and instead of putting it back on the shelf they throw it on the floor. Like it belongs there) Ok so I get the heck out of there and I'm thinking I HATE Walmart so much!!!

So, I'm sitting on the toilet today (yeah great visual isn't it??) And I'm in total school mode, sharpening pencils, colored pencils, getting the kids pencils boxes ready, making sure I have all the supplies we need and trying to plan our lessons. I happened to look up and I see this:

Does anyone else see a problem here??? The reasons why I hate Walmart even more, or advertisers in general.

Kids aren't suppose to be Rock Stars at school.

How about we advertise: Get your school supplies here so you can go to school and learn, so you wont be stupid and the only job you can get is at Walmart!

Stinkfoot...a REAL band :-D

2008-08-10T21:35:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of stinkfoot. My husbands kinda sorta fake band. It started out as a joke and all of a sudden they started getting gigs, then the gigs just kinda kept coming their way. They are always asked they never offer. Its hysterical. I dont mind, I get to to be the hot groupie! :-D

You can check them out on facebook at http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5818786611

Awesome Quote

2008-08-08T17:28:00.001-07:00

"I'm not on this earth to live up to your expectations."

The public School System

2008-08-08T15:09:00.001-07:00

These individuals with their comments are products of the public school system: All I really want to say to them is SHUT UP, YOUR STUPID. Except I'm not really a mean person......but I can be...I sorta have a temper :-D

13. No kid should be home schooled. They end up socially retarded relationally clueless. Which is far worse than not knowing the material in the books.
Submitted by: merryjoe
1:49 PM PDT, August 8, 2008

YOU ARE SOCIALLY RETARDED AND CLUELESS. The reason? If you had an educated bone in your body, you would know that parents who home-school attend MANY functions outside of the home. Home-schooled kids are more active in the community than Public Schooled kids. Why? Because they have MORE time to do it. They aren't taught to the lowest common denominator in school, but they can work at their own pace. So they have time for this stuff. They don't spend an hour in travel time to get to school. If you dont believe me, look at my flicker account and see how often we are out doing public service and leave our house. www.flickr.com/photos/kellyschaos

15. No, the education of a child is too important to let some moron just do on their own. Not that homeschooling doesn't work, but certification is necessary for some regulation. The real issue should be what it takes to become certified, not whether or not you need to be. http://tinyurl.com/6jb7l6 - has more on the appeals
Submitted by: Ricardo
1:46 PM PDT, August 8, 2008

You just called me a MORON. You dont even know me, so how can you honestly say that I, because I homeschool, am a Moron. You are obviously a Jerk. That was an educated answer. I read your comments and came to the conclusion because you call people you know nothing about Morons.

25. Although every parent should have the right to make decisions in their child's education, we - as a society - have to live with these children. The thought of a suburbran housewife, with no college education, downloading worksheets off the internet to teach their high schooler physics or Algebra 2, well. . . that's just scary.
Submitted by: C.

You assume that homeschool Parents = Wife only. Dads are just as involved. And just because I am a suburban housewife, with some college doesn't mean I'm ignorant. You imply that in your snide comment. You are obviously uneducated about how we homeschool. We do NOT download worksheets but attend a THREE day seminar and pick curriculum like a REAL school would. We have REAL curriculum with REAL text books. WOW what a concept! We are motivated to teach our kids, not by a paycheck, but because we WANT them to learn. WOW! Now isn't that a concept too!!!

**** SIDE NOTE! I have nothing against the public school system really. Its just annoying when individuals profess that theres only one way a child can learn and that HAS to be in a school room environment. People should really do their research and see that learning is done best when its in exploration and un-structured. Some kids thrive in structured environments, mine are bored in them. They dont do lectures. They are hands on, so for us, this is where they belong. =D

HSLDA Article

2008-08-08T14:43:00.001-07:00

HOMESCHOOLERS WIN LANDMARK CASE

Purcellville, VA—In a 3-0 decision the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District reversed its earlier ruling which would have required homeschoolers to be certified teachers in order to homeschool in California. “This is a great victory for homeschool freedom,” said Michael Farris, one of the team of attorneys who argued the case before the court and Chairman of HSLDA.

"I have never seen such an impressive array of people and organizations coming to the defense of homeschooling. The team effort was remarkable," he added.

Mr. L of In re Rachel L was represented by Gary Kreep of the U.S. Justice Foundation and the Alliance Defense Fund.

The court agreed to re-hear In re Rachel L in March after a public outcry of its previous February, 2008 ruling. Many new arguments were presented to the court in June. HSLDA filed an amicus brief on behalf of our 15,000 California members. The Governor and Attorney General of California also supported a parent’s right to homeschool before the court.

“Tens of thousands of California parents teaching over 166,000 homeschooled children are now breathing easier this afternoon,” said Farris.
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a 25-year-old, 85,000 member non-profit organization and the preeminent national association advocating the legal right of parents to homeschool their children.

Homeschooling in California

2008-08-08T14:41:00.001-07:00

Court of Appeal Vindicates Homeschooling
JOINT NEWSFLASH -- August 8, 2008
From: Christian Home Educators Association of California and Roy Hanson's Private and Home Educators of California

We praise God for the great victory He has given us today!

Homeschooling Remains Legal!

The California Court of Appeal, in their unanimous opinion today, said, "California statutes permit home schooling as a species of private school education."

This ruling specifically overruled the Turner (1953) and Shinn (1961) cases, which gave private homeschooling families problems in the past.

Our prior concern about "independent study programs" (ISP) was confirmed when the court also stated, "It is apparent, however, that independent study is permissible only when offered by the public school system and supervised by a certificated teacher." [emphasis in original] Therefore, we continue to strongly recommend that each private school program, where one Private School Affidavit is filed for multiple homeschooling families, refer to their program as a "private school satellite program" (PSP). Please read our notice about this Important Information about ISPs or www.pheofca.org/SB777071017.html

We are thankful for the relationship among the five homeschool groups, Christian Home Educators Association of California, Private and Home Educators of California (part of FPM), California Homeschool Network, HomeSchool Association of California, and Home School Legal Defense Association, that have been working on a statewide basis to support private homeschooling. We are also very grateful for the all of the attorneys involved in this case who have work so hard to protect private homeschooling in California.

Our communion wedding song

2008-08-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

Its almost our 8 year anniversary. I've been thinking back on our wedding and looking at our pics. Its amazing to see where w are now. I would say we are a pretty darn good married couple....

A page is turned by the wind to a boy in curly grin
With a world to conquer at the age of ten
But as history unfolds and the storybook is told
He finds salvation but not at the hands of man

And the God of second chance
Picked him up and He let him dance
Through a world that is not kind
And all this time, preparing him, the one
To hold him up when he comes undone
Beneath the storm, beneath the sun
And now a man, here you stand
Your day has come

A page is turned in this world to reveal a little girl
With a heart that's bigger, as it is unfurled
By the language in her soul, that's teaching her to grow
With a careful cover of love that will not fail

And the God of second chance
Picked her up and He let her dance
Through a world that isn't kind
And all this time, preparing her the one
To hold her up when she comes undone
Beneath the storm, beneath the sun
And grown up tall, here you are
Your day has come

Beneath the air of autumn, she took him by his hand
And warm within the ardor, she took his heart instead
And high upon the mountain, he asked her for her hand
Just for her hand

A page is turned in this life, he's making her his wife
And there is no secret to the source of this much life
When the grace that falls like rain is washing them again
Just a chance to somehow rise above this land

Where the God of second chance
Will pick them up and he'll let them dance
Through a world that is not kind
And all this time, they're sharing with the one
That holds them up when they come undone
Beneath the storm, beneath the sun
And once again, here you stand
And once again, here you stand
Your day has come

A page has turned - Bebo Norman

My sweet husband....

2008-08-08T09:29:00.001-07:00

I love you more today than on that spectacular day 8 years ago....and Tomorrow will be more of the same!

Day is fading, but baby, I don’t mind
‘Cause sunlight is dancing in your eyes
And time is frozen but somehow flying by
Here with your hand holding mine

It just feels right kissing on a Sunday
I’ll hold you tight as if it were the last day
With all my might, I will keep the world away
It just feels right kissing you on a Sunday

Time is racing to the sound of my heart beating
Can the dreaming escape this life
Unfair, maybe, but know that I’m not leaving
Right now, baby, life is kind

Make this moment last for a lifetime
Don’t let it slip away
Play it over and over like your favorite song
And we’ll fit forever in a day

Sunday by Bebo Norman

The Road Not Taken

2008-08-07T18:29:00.001-07:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

Our new Family Motto

2008-08-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

Be good, Be kind, Be truthful, and be free.

Publishing my Black and Whites

2008-08-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my black white pics I've done over the last umpteen years. I never actually get around to doing much of my picture taking (I have kids....) But most of these were from a class I had taken. LOVED IT! I learned quite a few fun tricks with the developer. I have some of these mounted to mounting boards so you loose some of the quality because I can't get the whole thing in the scanner. And I have to scan them so the originals look much better (i had to take them all out of the frames they are all hung in my office)

Taunting Lee!

2008-08-06T15:14:00.001-07:00

Hey Lee you can save these pics of my iphone and just stare at it :-D And notice the iphone has spongebob reflected in it :-D

Mac Dog

2008-08-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

I found this pic of Mackey Dog from Sinkyone a few years back. Its so cute and I had to post it!

Our House

2008-08-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

We finally finished painting our house. Such a huge change from the crappy paint job the previous owners did. I still have to put out all my cute deco. I need some trelleses for my trumpet vines next to the bridge. You can see all the pics at my Mobile Me gallery http://gallery.me.com/kylar

Playing with Photobooth

2008-08-06T09:44:00.001-07:00

My son Caught playing with Photobooth

2008-08-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

My beautiful Niece!

2008-08-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

Two videos of my beautiful niece whom I miss VERY much. Here's to the day we can move home and be close to our family! We love you guys and Miss you!

Becca in Motion 8/4/08

Becca's Summer

Whats up with me....

2008-08-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Listening to: Waiting on the world to change by John Mayer
My thoughts today: Thank God for unanswered prayers
My thoughts on God: Ummm I think he has more confidence in me than I do
Frustrations: Blogger is driving me crazzzyyy

For My Baby Girl

2008-08-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Momma loves you. I will always be there to keep you safe. Never forget that God is always there for you to.
I love you.

your baby blues
so full of wonder
your curley cues
your contagious smile
and as i watch
you start to grow up
all I can do is hold you tight

knowing clouds will rage and
storms will race in
but you will be safe in my arms
rains will pour down
waves will crash all around
but you will be safe in my arms

story books are full of fairy tales
of kings and queens and the bluest skies
My heart is torn just in knowing
you'll someday see the truth from lies

when the clouds will rage and
storms will race in
but you will be safe in my arms
rains will pour down
waves will crash all around
but you will be safe in my arms

Castles, they might crumble
dreams may not come true
but you are never all alone
'cause I will always
always love you

when the clouds will rage and
storms will race in
but you will be safe in my arms
rains will pour down
waves will crash all around
but you will be safe in my arms
in my arms

In my Arms
Plumb

Spongebob Saga

2008-08-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

Ok today during our after nap tv time. We were watching SURPRISE! Spongebob. During this particular episode Gary leaves Spongebob because he neglects him. During the portion of the show where Spongebob is searching for Gary, a song plays. See attached link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY5UJzEcP7M

During the song I hear sniffling.

Mommy: Christian are you sad?
Christian: Oh mommy I just have tears in my eyes (in a very sad sobby voice)
Mommy: Are you ok?
Christian: Gary's lost and I just have tears mommy.

OH MY GOSH! SWEET! I have the sweetest little boy in the world. I almost cried. :-D

Kelly's Bucket List

2008-08-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

1. Kayaking
2. snorkling
3. a cruise
4. hot air ballooning
5. white water rafting
6. Go to Hawaii
7. Mission trip to Africa
8. Back packing through Europe
9. Mission Trip to Hondorus
10. Cross country trip from California to Niagra Falls
11. See Niagra Falls
12. Go to Disney World
13. Go to Mexico
14. Go to Guam and see Tara
15. Go to Austrailia
16. adopt a child
17. Meet Steve Wozniak and actually hold a conversation with him for longer than 5 seconds of "want a donut"
18. Run a marathon
19. learn to sing
20. teach my children to sign

a little funny :-D

2008-08-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

So, today I was running around getting ready to take the kids to the pool and had decided I was going to finally bag up the pile of clothes that were laying on my bedroom floor for the Salvation Army (our neighborhood is boycotting Goodwill, long story). As I was putting some things away in the closet, I happened to move a section of clothing out of the way. You would not believe (or maybe some of you would??) what I found!! I found a game that I had bought for the kids for Christmas stuffed in the closet. Apparently I had forgotten I had hid it in there. Standing there staring at the game, I suddenly bust out laughing hysterically. I guess I will need to write myself a note to help remind me of my hiding place and put it somewhere safe.....but what if I forget where I put the note? :-D

2007-06-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.

- Mother Teresa

What I want for my life...

2007-06-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

I was listening to this song this morning. And I mean REALLY listening. And this is how I think all the time.

What am I gonna be when I grow up?
How am I gonna make my mark in history?
And what are they gonna write about me when Im gone?
These are the questions that shape the way I think about what matters
But I have no guarantee of my next heartbeat
And my world too big to make a name for myself
And what if no one wants to read about me when Im gone?
Seems to me that right nows the only moment that matters

You know the number of my days
So come paint Your pictures on the canvas in my head
And come write Your wisdom on my heart
And teach me the power of a moment
The power of a moment, the power of a moment

In Your kingdom where the least is greatest
The weak are given strength and fools confound the wise
And forever brushes up against a moments time
Leaving impressions and drawing me into what really matters

You know the number of my days
So come paint Your pictures on the canvas in my head
And come write Your wisdom on my heart
And teach me the power of a moment

The power of a moment, the power of a moment
I get so distracted by my bigger schemes
Show me the importance of the simple things
Like a word, a seed, a thorn, a nail
And a cup of cold water

You know the number of my days

So come paint Your pictures on the canvas in my head

And come write Your wisdom on my heart

And teach me the power of a moment

The power of a moment, the power of, the power of, the power of a moment.

Power of a moment by Chris Rice

2007-06-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

HAHA! I agree....

2007-06-01T14:33:00.001-07:00

Cadet Dancin' soo funny....

2007-05-31T15:29:00.001-07:00

A fat Rant

2007-05-31T15:25:00.001-07:00

I LOVE THIS!!

Apathy....

2007-05-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight my husband said, its hard to fight apathy. So what is Apathy?? Seems like a reasonable question.

So I went to 'ol Websters.com and I found three different definition entries from three sources.

1.
ap·a·thy [ap-uh-thee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -thies.
1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
3. Also, ap·a·thei·a, ap·a·thi·a [ap-uh-thee-uh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation. Stoicism. freedom from emotion of any kind.

2.
ap·a·thy (āp'ə-thē) Pronunciation Key
n.
Lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal; indifference.
Lack of emotion or feeling; impassiveness.

3.
apathy
noun
1. an absence of emotion or enthusiasm
2. the trait of lacking enthusiasm for or interest in things generally

In my case, I feel that #2 best describes my neighborhood. I can't believe how unmoved people are by their surroundings. How little motivation their is for people to change what is wrong in the world. And I"m not talking huge changes here. I'm just talking about a clean neighborhood. A no graffiti/garbage filled neighborhood. It seems like people just sit back and watch the rest of the world take charge. They take the "oh someone else will do it Motto".

WELL SCREW YOU! I ain't your momma so clean up after yourself!

Thats what I really want to say to them....

Christian's Funky Dance

2007-05-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Life and times of Christian

2007-04-27T03:41:00.000-07:00

So theres a possibility that Christians story might be used on a Discovery Health Channel Television show called Mystery Diagnosis. Because of the length of Christians illness I decided to blog the events that occured from the moment he was born. Mostly to get my thoughts in order of how everything transpired.

Sometime after Caitlin turned 7 months old, Tom and I decided that we were no longer going to avoid becoming pregnant. We had always talked about having a large family and wanting the kids to be close together. Tom came from a large family and I saw how close everyone was and really wanted to have lots of kids. It had taken us over a year to become pregnant with Christian. We tried all the usual things and not until I started to chart my temps did I finally become pregnant. I remember the day so vividly. I had been charting and my chart showed some unusal temp spikes which tends to indicate PCOS. So I made an appointment with my OB and brought my chart in. That same day the software I was using showed a lil baby chick which indicates a pregnancy, but because my chart was so unusal I didn't have much hope in that being true. So I went in for my appointment and showed my chart and the first thing my OB did was take a pregnancy test. About 10 minutes later she comes in and says oh didn't anyone tell you. I shook my head no and she then told me I was definitely pregnant. I was in shock. I immediately called Tom to tell him the news. I had wanted so badly to tell him in some fun or cute way but I just couldn't contain myself. He was thrilled. Because of the problems I had had in the beginning of my pregnancy with Caitlin, the doctor wanted to take periodic blood tests to make sure my progesterone level was high enough. Throughout the first trimester of my pregnancy with Bean I had to take progesterone suppositories to keep my level high enough to sustain the pregnancy. With my second pregnancy it took a few weeks, but before long I had to repeat the same regimen of treatment again. At this point I didn't care, we were finally pregnant with baby #2. Sometime during the pregnancy at my monthly visits; and only when I went in to the doctors office, my blood pressure was coming back high. So I began taking my blood pressure at home and charting it for "evidence". At home it was always normal, but every time I went into the office it was high. My doctors took this very seriously and monitored me pretty closely. All of my ultrasounds and blood work were coming back normal so I was even more insistant that it was white coat syndrome and that I was perfectly fine. But my doctor wasn't taking any chances. I had had several ultrasounds throughout my pregnancy and one ultrasound in particular at around 28 weeks showed that I was going to have a large baby. The US Tech estimated that Christian at that time was 4lbs. My first thought was, its a boy. :D At 37 weeks my OB decided she wanted to do another ultrasound to check on my amniotic fluid level because of the high blood pressure. It was at this time that they noticed my level was low. It wasn't low enough to warrant an emergency situation but the lowest they allow it to go was 6 and I was just at 6 with three more weeks to go. So on March 15th I was admitted to the hospital for induction. I was trying for a VBAC as I had to have a cesearean with Caitlin. After 12 hours of labor on petocin without the relief of a proper epidural, thank you Mr. Cocky Anesthesiologist (he was not nice) I gave birth to a beautiful little boy at 6:42 a.m. on March 16th. He came out screaming like a banshee. He weighed in at 7lbs 3oz and 191/2 inches long. Not bad for a 37 week baby. I vividly remember them laying him on my chest and me thinking, ok he has 10 fingers 10 toes and he his screaming and seems fine, but why do I feel so uneasy. I immediately dismissed the feeling figuring it was nervousness from having my second child and a new baby. A little while later after everyone was finished oogling over the really cute little boy they carted him off to the nursery with my husband to have his first bath. A little while later his pediatrician came in and said he looked really good that the nurses had thought they heard a murmur but it disappeared and they would keep a close eye on it. I really didnt think anything of it at the time, he was healthy and the doctor even said he looked good. After everything had settled down, I began feeding him almost immediately, they took us to our room, Tom went home to rescue Grandma Esther from the grips or our two year old. We got settled into our new room and I laid Christian down to sleep so that I could sleep right along with him. It was quiet and I knew it was the quietest it would be for a LONG time. As I lay there just staring at the baby bed. I heard a loud gurgling sound and I saw christian thrash a bit. I got up to see what was wrong and he had vomited in his bed. Seeing as he hadn't been getting Much, this seemed like it was to much for such a tiny baby. So I called the Nurse. She listened to his chest and said he was just trying to get out some amniotic fluid that was still there. She stated, I had pushed him out to quickly. Whatever that means. He definitely was vomiting. So I sat there wondering why doesn't anyone listen? Especially to mothers. It seems like individuals in the medical profeesion think they know so much that they immediately disregard valuable facts. Anyway, so we finally get to take our new miracle home! We were so excited to continue our life at home with our growing familly. The next several days we become increasingly worried about Christian. His vomiting episodes are increasing and he is looking a bit golden. So we make an appointment to go see the pediatrician. We start off by talking about his vomiting and she mentions it could quite possibly be reflux, something we had already expected. However, much to our surprise she becomes immediately concerned instead with his coloring. At this point he is looking quite jaundiced, but we were still concerned with the vomiting. One problem at a time I presume. After his blood work we find that his levels are way to high. The doctor immediately orders a bili light to our home from the medical supply company.

More to follow....give me a break is a long story!

Once you go Mac you never go back...

2007-02-27T08:39:00.000-08:00

So my favorite commercials right now are all the mac commercials. I mean I can relate to everything in those commercials. I was once a non-believer of Mac. I had flip-flopped many times over the years. There was a brief time in history when I liked mac but then loyally went back to PC. It was the norm. But now I feel its time the better computer prevails. PC owners are completely in the dark. The bottom line is they dont want to have to learn a new operating system. But its very close to the windows operating system. Because I do believe (tom correct me if I'm wrong) the windows 95 up to XP are loosely based on the Mac platform. So there's really no excuse at all other than people hate change. I switched my mom over to Mac. For her its much more realistic as she's not that computer literate but needs a stable reliable computer for working. She's been catching slack ever since by the Mid-Ohio Valley Oakies. I mean they profess to know so much about computers, but really they know nothing about computers. My mom was so frustrated from all the negativity that she was sobbing because she was sick of the hassle. She likes her mac. In her words, " I haven't had to reformat the hard drive because of viruses, and My internet works all the time, its never gone down." Other than the fact that she knows nothing about computers so its going to be work for her to learn, its a great computer for her. But then again she knew nothing about a PC/windows either. I sent her a tutorial from MAC101 website. I will be calling her today just to check in on how she's doing. In time she will realize just how much easier a MAC is from a PC not from a tinker toy perspective but from an operating persepective. It just runs better. I'm not just saying this because my husband works for Apple. He works for Apple because he likes the MAC. And we were MAC users long before he started working at Apple.

So I could write a list of why I think MAC is better but it would just reiiterate all those MAC commercials. It really is all true. Apple doesn't have to worry about False advertising because really its ALL true. I'm just glad that I dont have to upgrade my video card sound card wireless card memory harddrive every other month. Three years I have had my computer and haven't spent a dime on it, PC users can you say the same?

A Very Happy Apple user

The Slanket

2007-02-22T21:05:00.000-08:00

This is the MOST awesome blanet every! My husband is going to purchase me one as a gift. I'm always freezing.

http://www.theslanket.com/

And the Chicken Saga Continues

2007-02-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

So I haven't posted in awhile. I've been pretty busy with School, chickens, and familiy visiting. We had five chicks however, Gracie our third chick died suddenly in the middle of the night for no apparent reason we can see. She seemed extremely healthy. We think she might have stuck her beak in the light and got a bit of a shock. So now we have four baby chicks. I've been asked many times what we are going to do with them and 3 of the 4 are going to a friend who lives in the mountains. As much as I want to keep one, we can't. Fresh eggs would be so nice. But we really dont have any room for a chicken and the one spot we have for a chicken has been staked out for a hot tub. (I would rather have a hot tub)

Here are some pics of Rebecca's visit and the baby chicks.

We had to move them to a bigger box, so they had more room to run, in the back of the container they even have a ledge to perch on, they seem to enjoy that a lot.

New Wing pic, its getting bigger!

Scamper is getting VERY tall

Caitlin Snuggling with Rebecca

Christian playing itsy bitsy spider with Rebecca

Christian Talking so sweetly to Rebecca

Caitlin exercising the chicks outside on a warm day.

Scamper loosing his fluff and gaining some real feathers

We've actually had snow flake jump from the box when he saw Caitlin. We have them in a huge rubbermaid contatiner now. More pics to follow

Introducing Scamper the Chicken

2007-02-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

So this is scamper the chicken. We hatched him from an itty bitty egg. I feel pretty proud since it was our first hatch and we had at least one chick survive. We are still waiting for two more to hatch, they've pipped but we are waiting for the official "birth"

3 hours old

9 hours old

Christian and Scamper

Christian holding scamper

Caitlin Holding Scamper, as you can see Scamper is VERY content in her arms. If he's whiney from being lonely, she picks him up and quiets right down, he actually walked right to her tonight wanting to be picked up. At bed time tonight she kept saying her baby needed her 'cause Scamper was chirping VERY loudly. Its very cute

More pics to follow!

Speaks for itsself....

2007-01-22T13:01:00.000-08:00

Chicken Hatchery Tragedy

2007-01-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

Ok so we've had somewhat of a chicken tragedy last night. I got up
around 3am to check on the eggs and it seems that we had a temp spike
to 107. I"m not sure how long the spike was for or how it even
happened, but of course at that temp the heat will bake the eggs. I
wanted a thermostat on the incubator, but we wont go there as to why
its not there. We were doing so well. I'm actually feeling
horrible and a bit teary. I feel like I've just single handedly
killed a dozen chickens. I will forever be known as the chicken
killer. Of course I'm not sure if they are officially gone. But my
best guess is yes they are. If they are I can't let them incubate
much longer as they will eventually explode. So pray for my mortal
soul and that God doesn't strike my husband down for not putting in a
thermostat and killing his chicks. :) But it seems we are back to the drawing board!

pIctures of our incubator

The Eggs

Caitlin helping to turn the eggs
COMING SOON!

Grandma's Memorial

2006-12-27T18:11:00.000-08:00

God's Garden Must be Beautiful...

God looked around the garden, and found an empty space. He
Looked down upon the earth, and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you, and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful for he only takes the best.
He knew that you were weary, and he knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never be well on earth
again. He saw the roads were getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered Peace be thine

Caitlin's first Performance

2006-12-25T10:16:00.000-08:00

Here is Caitlin in her first ever singing performance. She was so afraid to get up there and we were nervous that she would come off screaming or throw a huge tantrum on stage. I gave her a snowman pin to put on her dress and I told her it was full of bravery and that if she was nervous to just touch it. All through practice she would touch it and before long she didn't need it anymore. There was a second song they did but I (like an idiot) forgot to hit the record button, we are going to try to get a copy of it from the church, they videotaped it or so we think.

Parents "WORST" Fears

2006-12-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

So last night we had a simple dinner. The kids requested PB&J's and apples and a few chips. I was willing. A light dinner never hurt anyone. After I settled the kids down to eat, I made my dinner; then I realized I forgot to give Caitlin her water. As I walk over to the kids little table, I noticed christian spiting into his plate. I asked him what was wrong. He looked up at me, eyes bulging, lips purple, and drool coming out of his mouth. I immediately freaked! I knew he was choking. You always think your ready to use the first aide training you get before the kids are born, but when its stressful its a different story. I immediately grabbed him and started the heimlich. I was so scared I was hurting him, but I had to get whatever it was out of his throat. His face was turning redder and his lips were a darker purple. He started to cough a few times and tried to vomit, but it was not coming out. I yelled to Caitlin to get the phone that we had to call 911. She immediately jumped up to do as I asked (good thing, shes been having a hard time listening the first time). I sat christian on the counter so we were level and I kept trying. As 911 answered I told them my son was choking. They transferred me! What the hell is that all about? I'm waiting for the other operator to answer and I keep giving him the heimlich and as she answers he vomits the food up. He begins to cry and so I know he's better. The operator waited to see if he was ok before she hung up. He had choked on a chunk of apple. You always think you cut them up small enough, but its never a guarantee. He will tell you the whole story of how he took "too big of a bite and he choked and throwed up".

Santa

2006-12-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

So Caitlin was so eager to sit on Santa's lap and whip out the list of a thousand things she wanted for Christmas. She was so thrilled to see him. Christian however, not so thrilled, he flat out REFUSED to have anything to do with him. It was cute in a very sad way! He was really afraid of him.

Take THAT Dr. Phil

2006-11-26T23:26:00.000-08:00

Dr. Phil,

I admire you in a huge way. However, I truly believe you missed it big on what it means or what it is to homeschool. Do you understand the process of homeschooling? Do you know the training classes that are involved or not involved? Conferences? Support Groups? Curriculum? I truly believe you missed the mark. You only scraped the edges of homeschooling. And its much bigger than you or anyone else understands. Unless you delve into it and really get to know a day in the life of a homeschool family you nor your audience can objectively see homeschooling for what is really is. I hope that you are enlightened in a way you never expected.

On your show, you provided your audience with 1....1 disgruntled homeschooler. How long did it take you to find that one? And why wasn't the other side represented? Those individuals that believe they had the best education? LIke the girl from Los Gatos California that was granted 3K$ from an HP scholorship to attend Standford to become a doctor. Where are those kids and why aren't they represented? You didn't broadcast a homeschool highschool or 8th grade graduation. You didn't broadcast what the kids get to do their Senior Year of high school. I believe that you were partial to one side and thats the side you aired to your audience. Who knows, maybe HSLDA will set you straight, and I can watch your show again without wincing in pain.

A loving Homeschool mom,
Kelly Byrne

oh btw, if you really want to see REAL homeschool kids and their homeschool experience, check out www.flickr.com/photos/kellyschaos or www.kabobskorner.blogspot.com and try to tell me you think my kids are antisocial or dont participate in enough outside activities with other kids.

Proud Homeschooling Mom

2006-11-26T22:12:00.000-08:00

In response to Dr. Phil's un-enlightened episode on homeschooling on October 16th.

I am an extremely proud homeschooling mother of two beautiful children! I have the privilege of watching my children learn and explore their world through their eyes everyday. I can say with pride, I saw my childrens first steps, and heard them read their first words. I see the succeed everyday in every way. My children aren't social outcasts. They aren't behind in school. As a matter of fact my daughter excels in all areas of academics. She just turned 5 and reads and writes better than most 2nd graders. She is a social butterfly. Any time we go out she politely makes conversation with adults and kids alike. Shes a wonderful ray of sunshine. She is this way because I can instill in her daily, the mindset and attitudes that are appropriate for getting along in the world. I am in charge of her every day. I make the choices of what she is exposed to and what she will learn and when. When my daughter is approached by an unkind child at the park, we can sit and talk about it. I dont have to find out months later when she comes home from school devastated that someone was mean to her at school. My daughter attended preschool. A Chrisitan Preschool. Every day that I picked her up from school, the teachers had something negative to say about her. This is not the kind of influences I wanted on my daughter. I want more for her than what public school offers. I want to instill a love for learning and the love of people. I want her to know she can make a difference in the world. How? By participating in community service activities, volunteering etc. At 5 she has a kindness and a passion for others that far surpasses most high schoolers. And this because I have the impact to help her to develop into a productive part of society, not an outcast.

My husband and I both attended public schools, my husband in Canada and myself here in the states. There isn't a difference. My husband is extremely gifted and was bored through the majority of his school years. He was beat up on a daily basis because he was smart and didn't fit into the "mold". He had teachers tell him he wouldn't amount to anything as an adult! (his mother verified this to be true she fought many times for him in the school system, she was a teacher in that system).

Now for me, in 5th grade, myself and the other kids in my class were unable recite our multiplication facts. By the time I was a junior in high school, I hated attending school so much that I missed 75 days that year. It took me 5 times to pass the PSAT test to graduate. I left my Senior year to attend College and excelled. My first year of College I learned more than I had in my 3 years of highschool. In highschool I was more worried about why my friends decided not to speak to me on a particular day instead of listening to what was going on in class. And hearing the chuckles of those same so called friends and crying through most of my classes, being told to grow tougher skin. A whole new world opened to me, and for the first time I was thrilled to learn! I was sponge soaking up as much knowledge as I could still hungry for more. A passion I had never known before.

I swore at the age of 19, that when I had children it would be different. At that time I didn't know how it would be different but it would be.

Everyone sees homeschooling as parents locking their kids in their homes doing school all day and never seeing the light of day. All you hear is what about sociallzation, the kids will be weird, they wont know how to act in public. What people dont understand is, Socialization is the reason TO homeschool. The kind of socialization my daughter and son will learn in public school is the kind I will pass on. There are many kids that leave public school without social skills. Social skills dont have to be developed just inside of school. My daughter partcipates in Homeschooling Soccer, church activiites, swimming, we goto plays and shows and parks and have playdates weekly with other homeschoolers, and many field trips each month with other homeschoolers. My daughter is able to participate in more as a homeschooler than she ever would in a public school. When She has questions we stop and answer them, if she wants to learn about something we stop and spend as much time as she is interested in to learn about that topic. My daughter can tell you the lifecycle of a plant, what anemonies are, what it means to be a loving person, and how to include others and be kind. Already she far exceeds most adults. Because she has learned to love, care for others, and listen to other needs. If thats all she learns till shes 10, I have succeeded in educating my daughter.

The world today is one that honors gay marriage, sex before marriage, teaching children about homosexuality in kindergarten, publically selling Porn in magazines in the corner mag stands, but when it comes to parents schooling their children its considered abusive. The world does not fit into a tidy box. Its filled with diverse individuals. And who are we to judge people for their differences or how they choose to live their lives. You may not agree, but we as homeschoolers never asked for your permission in the first place. But we ask for the peace to raise our children the way we see fit without the interferance from those who are ignorant about the process. Educate yourself and just maybe you might be enlightened.

I gave birth to these children. God gave them to me to raise. And raising them is what I will do....up to and including school.

EDUCATION
(Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)
The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.

Tom persuading me to read parenting advice......

2006-11-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

tom: hey honey my sister sent me this email article about tough love vs spanking
Kelly: I really dont need to read anymore parenting advice. I have enough crap swirling around in my head I just need to be consistent.
Tom: No honey it was really good and I think you would like it. Its a pretty short article.
Kelly: No I'm not really interested.
10 minutes passes, and before he leaves for work
Tom: honey can I just have 5 minutes of your time.
Kelly : what honey I'm trying to get ready for school
Tom: just 10 minutes
Kelly: *sigh*
Tom: read this
Kelly : *grumbling in my head, he never freaking listens to me.....why does he bug me so much, why can't he see I'm rushing to get ready for school, doesn't he realize that I'm trying to get back in the groove, and reading a stupid parenting article is the last thing I have time for or want to do...fine I will humor him because I want to honor him and not be a fiesty brat today.
*kelly reads......a smirk grows on her face*
Kelly: ha ha that was funny...ok ok that is about how I feel 100% of the time :)
Tom: I knew you would like it

Tough Love vs. Spanking

Most of America's populace thinks it very improper to spank
children as
was the preferred method of yesteryear. I recently heard from a
friend who
has tried other methods to control their kids when they have one
of "those moments."

One that she found very effective was to just take the child for a
car ride
and talk.

They usually calmed down and stopped misbehaving after their
little outing
together.

I've included the photo below of one of those sessions with my
friend's son
in case you would like to use that technique.

Caitlin School Funny

2006-11-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

So we are going over money in school. You know, the difference between pennies, nickles and dimes. Which are more, less, equal to etc. Well here is a conversation Bean and I had about money and I had to blog it.

So I ask caitlin, " I have 10 pennies in one hand and two nickles in the other, which one would you rather have. Caitlin looks me in the eye serious as can be and she says, "all of it cause I love money and I want to go shopping"
* kabob slaps herself in the forehead *

At least she's honest!!!

A new Church

2006-11-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

So we've been hunting, searching, seeking for a church for quite awhile. Our church Closed down the last Sunday in July. We've been to many churches. One church I had found to visit before the close of our church was The Journey. I had showed Tom and he wasn't interested, his reasoning, we hadn't left the church we were at. God knew what he was doing, shortly after our church closed. After the close, we just started to visit churches our friends would invite us to. Needless to say we didn't find anything. I had lightly mentioned The Journey again, but he didn't take the bait until our friend Jon started going there and invited us to come. I was soo not happy. I was mad because i couldn't figure out why it took Jon inviting us before he would go visit. Thinking back, I probably should have been more like, we are visiting this church on this sunday. Its not like I lack the bluntness gene or anything. I can be pretty demanding when I want to be. Anyway, before our visit, everywhere I looked somehow The Journey would pop up. Now that we've been visiting I think this is the church for us. I really like the Pastor, he is real and very confident in what the church is doing. Stable. Oohhh Stable. I dont know what thats like, a stable church in the Valley. And everyone is so nice. When you walk by they just say hi like your a regular attendee, or if your talking they will jump in and join in the conversation, its not like they seek you out and get into those all to uncomfortable, so your new conversations. Or try to "recruit" you into their church. If its a fit, awesome come join us, if not good luck finding the place God has for you. Its definitely a switch. We will keep praying that this is the place for us. We will keep you posted. In the meantime if you want to check them out, its takethejourney.org.

Newest Member of the Byrne Clan

2006-11-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Tom and I are the proud aunt and uncle to the newest member of the Byrne Clan. Michelle and Vince are the proud parents of Rebekah Marie Laframboise 8lbs 13 ounces 20.5 inches long. She was born this evening (not sure exact time) Mom and baby are well!

Home at last...

2006-11-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Ok so I'm finally home. When the wheels touched down on the pavement in San Jose, I let out a big sigh. Mostly of relief but some of it was from just pure exhaustion. It felt so good to be so close to home. My own bed, my husband, and my kiddies. I could see our house, ok so our neighborhood, as we flew by. I gotta put something on our roof that you can see from the air, we fly so much it would be fun to have something like that up there that we can have on so we know at night exactly where our house is. But anyway I'm home. However, I just do NOT know where to start. My house needs a good cleaning and my kids need a good playing with, I need to get school going again and I need to vote so I have rego over all my stuff for that. (Its been so long since I've been in the area I almost forget whats up on the ballet) I do know with great certainty what is on the ballet in Ohio.. Kinda weird that way. (pause) Ok I was fixing my glassse and apparently I dunno how, but I glued my fingers together. Its been awhile since I had the super glue in my hand, musta been a wet spot on my glasses. I have so much to post to, but I guess I should really start with something constructive, like playing with my kids :)

Sustaining Grace Group Photo 2006/2007

2006-11-05T20:43:00.000-08:00

Christian would not sit for this picture, so Caitlin is only pictured.

Halloween 2006

2006-11-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

This year I missed taking the kids trick or treating. However my amazing husband took over and escorted the kids around the neighborhood for some fun.

Long time No type......

2006-11-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

Wow, so its been several months since I've blogged last. I was shocked to find that my blog was still active. A lot has been going on here. We've been extremely busy with our usual day to day family routines. We started homeschool in September after labor day and have been going strong. Caitlin seems to be enjoying school and is flying through everything. I almost have a hard time finding challenging things for her to do. Shes working on 2nd grade reading, which we've finally hit an area that challenges her. Everything comes so easily for her that it makes her VERY angry when she has to work to get her words correct. She is a whiz at Science and Math. And she loves both. She loves to write stories and seems to write at least one or two princess stories a day. One of which was a story about mommy princess that was eaten by a dragon....I believe that was the jist, I'm not sure if I like that story tho. :) School as been fun, we've been on break since October 24th, as I flew to Ohio on the 25th to help my mother with my grandmother. Its been a challenge to be here watching and ultimately waiting for my grandmother to pass away. We've a great time one friday evening. It was just her and I. The way I've always enjoyed it. I actually said a few words at her funeral and had them play a song for her. It was nice and I did make it through the entire thing without fumbling and crying to much. I did have to stop a few times but it went well. I will post my words at the bottom. My brother caught me afterwards and said He was doing just fine until I spoke. In my mind I keep thinking *cha ching* Others could feel how I felt and thats what I wanted. Anyway, I will be going to the cemetary tomorrow for the burial of the ashes, next to my grandfather. Mostly just immediate family. I am going to place a few things in the vault for grandma's safe keeping. Things I know she will love. During the services I finally was able to see my cousins whom I haven't seen in so long. It was great to get back in touch with them. Of course we all exchanged email addresses (gotta love the information age) and there should be no reasons we can send out a howdy every now and then. After the burial, I will be heading back to Columbus to catch my flight back home. I am so excited to see my babies. I've missed them so much. Oh and I miss my adorable husband as well. He's a trooper. He's put up with so much from me these past couple of weeks. Bouts of sobbing, yelling and even some down right temper tantrums. :) Stress it does crazy things to ya. All in All everything went smoothly, but I'm glad its over. Hopefully when I get home I can do some journaling about death and my experiences with watching someone die. Morbid I know, but I've learned a lot the last couple of weeks and I think sharing would be a good thing. Ok off to finish the packing I go........

Me and my Grammy August 2000 at Tom and I's wedding

Oh Canada V2.0

2006-08-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

So here we are in Canada Again. Its been a crazy busy time with traveling and the wedding. The day of the wedding was pretty hot and the kids didn't do as well as I had hoped but they still did better than expected :) (hopefully that makes sense) But the wedding was beautiful and Trish looked amazing in her gown. Rob showed up in his surge at the church and it was awesome to see him walk down the Isle as an RCMP officer. Rob is on the right and Trish is on the left. This is a picture I took of them last October when they were here before Mim's Wedding. Later he did change into a tux for his pictures with the bride.

Now that that is over we are heading to Ohio tomorrow to visit with my family. I'm not really ready for more traveling but feel a sense of obligation to drive there. My grandmothers neither one are doing well and I want to visit with them as much as possible whenever I can. My parents are ecstatic about seeing the kids so that will be a nice visit for them. We will be spending 6 days there and then returning to Canada. After that we are heading to Tobermory.

We are now in Ohio, visiting the family. We had a crazy drive down, 280(I think is the name of the interestate) was closed for construction so we were forced onto a detour continuing down 75. We finally found COSI after about a 20 minute jaunt around Toledo. Not really a place you want to take 20 detours or Jaunts through. But we did make it and Cosi was awesome. It was much better than the Discovery museum here in San Jose. We didn't want to leave but we were riding some time constraints and needed to be on our way.

Here are some pics of the things we did while in Ohio.

My aunt immediately put Caitlin to work scrubbing the porch as tho she was Cinderella in some fairy tale...

Then she put Christian on the tractor and got him working as well.

Caitlin somehow got this huge bug in her eye and it took me forever to get it out. Between her screams and the bug just not cooperating it wouldn't come out.

A bit of hula hooping!

my aunt Donna trying to teach caitlin this ankle hoop thingy, I have no idea what its even called.

My Uncle Dick has a great pond behind his house which he stocks regularly with blue gill and some bass. When we go visit we always take that opportunity to go fishing there. Its so quiet and just beautiful and no one else is there but us.
Here is caitlin holding her first fish. We taught her to hold it by the gills and on the back so she didn't get pricked. Of course when I tried to show her how, I showed her what not to do and what happens when you get pricked by the pointed fins on the back. OUCH it hurt...

Christian Touching his first fish... this took some doing. He was a bit frightened of it especially when they flopped around. But boy did he love realing them in and casting out the line. A true fisherman someday I think :) 15 fish were caught in all, mostly by Tom but I did catch the only 2 bass! My claim to fame :)

We also did some traveling while we were in Ohio, We went to Columbus to visit some longtime IRC friends of ours. We had dinner thursday evening after another fun filled day at the Columbus COSI. We saw the Star Wars exhibit that was there. Dinner was fun and it was nice to see some old faces and meet cuisi finally after all these years in RL. He's just as geeky in person but a lil more metrosexual than I remember :) However bean took a liking to him that I never expected....

Caitlin and Christian Testing out the Fart Maker 2000 at the Columbus Zoo

During our visit to the Columbus Zoo all bean wanted to do was hit the reptile exhibit....very odd..... but neat that she was interested.

Here she is petting a snake.... yup you heard me petting snake..... she gets that from Tom because I dont pet snakes.
542 2737

Grandma's 78th Birthday Bash

After our fabulous time in Ohio, and I can truely say that because it was a lot of fun. We headed off to Tobermory on Lake Huron. I have two words for it.... absolutely amazing.

The boys going into the 60 degree water on an evening Polar bear

Something so wrong about a red incredible hulk

The boys after their polar bear, trying to be manly.

Anna and Jeff enjoying a most beautiful sunset.

This would have been a perfect shot had it not been for that dang spot on the lense thats reflecting the light. grrrr

Hiking through the rock cliffs to get to the grotto

A family who hikes together stays together :)

Jeff theres nothing to it! This a cake walk.....and you said this would be hard for us novies.....what we realize later is it is harder but not to bad.

This doesn't look so bad.....the farther we get in tho, the more we realize the rocks are very unsteady

These are all of the rocks that we had to manuever to get to the cliff to climb up in order to get over to the grotto. All the rocks are loose so they move every step you take

This is before we start up the other side of the cliffs, looking across at the other side

This area in the background is all rock thats unsteady that you have to walk across to get to the cliffs

Caitlin at the top of some rocks that she climbed before we get to the top and then start the descent down into the grotto

Tom at the top waiting for us, calling us wimps because he carried christian on his shoulders the whole way

Here we are roasting marshmallows by the fire and listening to Tom play guitar, I know sounds cornery but its fun :)

What I'm listening to

2006-07-24T09:12:00.001-07:00

My friend Amy does this on her blog and I thought it was a fabulous idea. It gives you a feeling of the place someone is in.

Make us One: Cindy Morgan

Off with 'Ye Head

2006-07-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

Get a good look! This is the guy who steals everyones good healthcare away. I hope his family is eating well tonight.....

CEO William McGuire

This site shows what Mr. McGuire earns yearly
http://www.forbes.com/static/pvp2005/LIRRI3M.html

He ups our healthcare premiums and pays our doctors nothing. This years contract that was negotiated by UHC (United Healthcare) is paying doctors 30% less. This decrease puts doctors practices at risk making it difficult to cover operating costs. So what does this mean for the doctors? They drop UHC. What does this mean for my family? That we have to leave doctors that we are comfortable with ones we trust to find less than adequate doctors to serve us. I refuse. He rakes in over 1 billion dollars. Net Worth. To make money of that amount on medical care is beyond evil. "Of the approximately 600 doctors in network, nearly half have dropped UHC" Quoted from SJ Mercury. Tyler Mason states "Our obligation is to put together a network that's comparable to the one before the merger. It wont be exactly the same" Also quoted from SJ Merc.
How about putting together a package that far exceeds what crap healthcare coverage we have now. How about being the first healthcare provider to stop lining their own pockets and doing what it was comprised to do. Help cover medical costs. How much of my 1500$ premium each month actually goes to cover our medical costs. 18K a year just for our family. Now lets times that by a small company say..... of 500 people... thats 8,500,000 dollars. Just for One small company of 500 people.

Today I had had enough. I left my PCP today furious, that yet again I am losing another doctor. Every doctor we have, PCP for myself, my husband, both my kids. My Obstetrician and My hospital. Why should my family have to make all these changes so that Willie Bob can line his pockets?!?! I refuse. We will write as many letters as it takes. I will call Apple HR and UHC every day if I have to until Apple changes health plans, or UHC gets wise.

Our Blessings

2006-06-19T23:24:00.000-07:00

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agree that they had no other recourse but to pray to God.

However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.

The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing.

Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?"

"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything."

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you wouldn’t have received any of my blessings."

"Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "what did he pray for that I should owe him anything?"

"He prayed that all your prayers be answered."

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us.

Lake Mead

2006-06-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

IMG_6620.JPG
Originally uploaded by Kelly's Chaos.

Hoover Dam Lake Mead Side

The best dam Dam :)

2006-06-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

IMG_6624.JPG
Originally uploaded by Kelly's Chaos.

Overlooking the Hoover Dam at night

Monte Carlo

2006-06-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

IMG_6640.JPG
Originally uploaded by Kelly's Chaos.

ewwww aahhhh ooohhhhhh

I believe

2006-06-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're
going to hurt you every once in a while and
you must forgive them for that.

I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even
over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe - That you can do some thing in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become
the person I want to be.

I believe - That you should always leave loved ones
with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe - That you can keep goi ng long after you think you can't.

I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no
matter how we feel.

I believe - That either you control your attitude or it
controls you.

I believe - That regardless of how hot and steamy a
relationship is at first, the passion fades and
there had better be something else to take its place.

I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has
to be done when it needs to be done, regardless
of the consequences.

I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe - That my best friend and I can do anything or
nothing and have the best time.

I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help
you get back up.

I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the
right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe - That just because someone doesn't lov e you the way you want them to doesn't mean they
don't love you with all they have.

* I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe - That just because two peop le argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe - That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe - That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something to tally different.

I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find
the strength to help.

I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

Honor

2006-06-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

If it’s broken, fix it.
If it’s empty, fill it up.
If it’s open, shut it.
If it’s out, put it away.
If it’s messy, clean it up.
If you can’t, then report it.
That’s honor.

America's Schools: Hostile Environments?

2006-06-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Last April, students at Springfield High School in Oregon were told they could not wear t-shirts that said: "I am a Christian and I am against homosexuality, abortion, pre-marital sex and drugs." Alliance Defense Fund Lawyer Tim Chandler said: "The Supreme Court has said schools have the right to censor student speech only if it's disruptive, only if it's vulgar, only if it's lewd...[Schools] can't ban speech just because they don't agree with it..." Students who were participating in a pro-homosexual campaign were not prohibited from expressing their views, Chandler noted. Now, Springfield High School has officially apologized to the Christian students. That favorable outcome in Oregon contrasts cruelly with this story from Lexington, Mass. You'll recall that in that birthplace of the American Revolution, David Parker was arrested and barred from school property after protesting pro-homosexual material distributed in his son Jacob's elementary school. Now comes word that Parker's son Jacob, 7, was beaten up on the playground on May 17--to mark the second anniversary of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. Estabrook Elementary claims it is "Safe School" as a show of tolerance for students who are said to be homosexual. But apparently such "tolerance" is a one-way street.

Mime Sign Language

2006-06-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

Kabob's Chaos

2006-06-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

So life seems so chaotic. Theres a ton going on all around me and it seems so overwhelming. But I keep going and trudge through it all. I've finally become "ok" with not having a perfectly clean house, I know stuff is going to be laying around. Or I can pick up the same toy a 1K times or just wait till the end of the day and make the kids do it ;) But I'm realizing that I need to spend more time outside enjoying a nice bike ride with my kids and less time worrying that there is egg on the counter. Its much less stress believe you and me. I've stopped worrying what someone will think if they come over and there are dishes in the sink. I've thrown out the martha stewart attitude. Sorry lady but your fake and VERY unrealistic! You are the cause of depression. Woman can live up to the Marth Stewart expectation. You my dear, have employees, we however do not! :)

But besides just the typical house stuff. We have church stuff.

Yesterday our pastor announced he will be stepping down to persue God's calling. Ministering to other Pastors and their wives. I've always wondered who pastored the pastors. :) Seriously tho, its gotta be tough. Your constantly Pastoring to the congregation and praying for others. I truely believe we need to put more emphasis on praying for our Pastors and realizing they are only human themselves. Its definitely a job that you can only do equipped by God. Anyway, so he will be off with his wife to pursue this calling. In the mean time theres this uncertaintity of what will happen with our church. Will it close, will it stay open, will we hire a new pastor. And of course when you have a large number of individuals in a church, you have a large number of opinions and ideas of what should happen. This can either be a time of great confusion and fierce squabbles or a time of allowing God to work on HIS design. Yesterday after church, about 18 of us went to lunch. It was interesting to hear everyone's opinions on how this whole thing will transpire. The people whom I expected to have an opinion did of course. And while I was sitting there, I was thinking. Honestly people!! Are you crazy!?!?! These ideas are so far fetched. But the more I got to thinking about it the more I could see "some" of what was being said. Of course, my hot button through lunch was "church" for the kids. Its been my "hot" button for a long time. But, I think I'm realizing more that times have changed and my children may never have, what I had as a kid. People's priorities are different. Its up to me to give my children a church environment here at home, a love for God, for his people, for service. I realized that yes my children are my responsibility, but to have that support of your church to help you in the process we miss out on. Its finally clear, my children are relying on me 100% to give them everything. I can expect that church(in the traditional sense) will be a small portion of my kids lives and the rest I invest into them alone with God. It takes a village, but the village is retreating. And Tom and I are left with us. God being are #1 support. And without that network of people to rally around you, it makes for tough parenting.

I was talking to a lady the other day, at the First Baptist Church in Morgain Hill. I called to get Caitlin signed up for VBS. I wanted to get her involved in some things this summer, give us both some space from each other. Anyway her and I got into a discussion on what its like to be a church in the midwest/south as opposed to here. There church just went through the process of finding a new pastor. (they did it and survived why can't we??) There are so many differences, far to many to count. Church there, It works. People aren't chaotic and stretched for time like they are here. Its sad to think that God is scheduled in. But then again I see so many things about the Bay Area that I loathe. LIke the business, the attitudes, beliefs (teaching my kids about being gay/lesbian in kindgergarten, thanks but no thanks, why I homeschool, for those of you that are jumping on the bandwagon right this second, I didn't say anything about it being bad, I disagree about it being taught in schools. In kindergarten, thats my job along with the sex talk thank you very much. I have an aunt whom I love very much who is gay and I support her 100% "end soapbox" ) I pray everyday that God will get me out of this "place". But I realize this has been my home for 10 years. I would miss it because its all I've known and its what I"m use to. And of course the few REAL and very close friends that I have I will miss. But God has us here for a reason, and I have to be happy with it. If you would have asked me 10 years ago how long I would be here in california, I would NEVER had guessed or thought 10 years.

Next Blog:
How do I want to be remembered as a Mom by my children.

VEGAS BABY!!

2006-06-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

So sunday morning at 5am, my friend Lily and I will be heading to Vegas!! WOOP WOOP! We will be there for five days 4 nights. She has a vacation club and has graciously agreed to share it with me! Shes awesome!! So I'm taking her for a dinner cruise as a thank you. Anyway, here are the tours we've decided to take.
The first night we are going to the tournament of Kings. The second night we will be taking the Las Vegas Night on the Town Tour And last but not least, the third night we will be enjoying The Lake Mead Dinner Cruise

I tried really hard to get Lily to check these guys out, but she adamantly refused.....ah well, maybe next time (JK).

I will post up some fun pics when I return!

Oregon Or Bust

2006-06-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

So we took a family vacation to Oregon over the Memorial Day weekend. We were going to go camping at the KOA in Central Point and do some fishing etc. We got rained out of our campsite, no worries, we camped out at the Red Lion in Medford. We made blanket tents for the kids, smores in the microwave, and swam until our hearts content. :) On Sunday we took the kids fishing. They had a great time. Christian just wanted to keep reeling his in and Caitlin was mad because she couldn't figure out how to cast her's out. Our pics from our trip are here: www.flickr.com/photos/kellyschaos

Lazy Starbucks Employees

2006-06-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

To whom it may concern:
My friends and I have been long time Starbucks customers, particularly your location at Almaden & Curtner 2306 Almaden Rd San Jose, California 95125 (for the last 2 years, possibly more). Every Tuesday after the movies, my friends and I congregate at your store to drink coffee, play games, and just hang out. We are stay-at-home moms and this is our only time out and away from home to enjoy ourselves as adults without interruptions from our children. As you can imagine, this is our re-cooping time and we anticipate it each and every Tuesday night, particularly coming to Starbucks. Over the past month we've noticed some non-customer-friendly behavior from a few of your employees. Please see below.
May 2, 06 9:30 - 11:00pm
At 9:30 my friends and I arrived at Starbucks. We noticed that the bathrooms were blocked off with chairs. At that time we thought nothing of it and assumed that a toilet might possibly have overflowed or they were having plumbing problems. At 10:30 the chairs were still there; some individuals went past them, and others walked away without using the restroom. We were curious, as all three of us had to use the restroom. We approached the employees asking if there was a problem with the bathroom. The lady behind the counter stated, "No, we've cleaned the bathrooms and we don’t want anyone to go in there and fall." My friends and I continued with our coffee waiting to see if the restrooms would finally open up. As of 10:50 pm they had not. So I chose to use the restroom anyway (when ya gotta go ya gotta go). As I was using the restroom, my friends noticed that the lady who had informed us the bathrooms were closed started becoming irate that I had walked past the chairs to use the "newly cleaned" bathroom. If your establishment is open, so should your restrooms be unless there's a problem or you've notified customers ahead of time. This same night the crew members started cleaning the sitting area at 9:45: mopping, sweeping, putting up chairs on tables. Your store closes at 11. These actions give the impression that customers are not wanted and the appearance that the store is closed; in return YOU lose money. Also during the evening, an employee, a larger gentleman in his early to mid 20’s told a group of individuals outside on the patio area that they needed to leave in 5 to10 minutes that the store would be closing. The time was 10:40.
May 9, 06 9:30 - 11:00pm
My friends and I again arrived at 9:30. At approximately 10:00 the same gentleman as above began cleaning the sitting area again: putting up chairs, mopping the floors, and bringing in outside tables and chairs and stacking them in the main areas. At this time we also noticed that several groups of people began to leave including individuals who were working on their computers. At 10:50, he gave a 10 minute warning that everyone must leave as they would be closing the store at this time.
May 16, 06 9:30 - 11:00pm
Again we arrive at approximately 9:30. At 10:00pm the same routine as before began. At 10:30, my friends and I went to use your restroom and the gentleman as before was cleaning them. They seemed to be out-of-service, so we asked if we could use the restrooms. This time he stated yes.
May 19, 06 9:30 - 11:00pm
Arrival again at 9:30, same routine as the above mentioned.
May 30, 06 9:30-11:00
After speaking with Kristy (assistant manager) Tuesday morning, there was a noticeable difference in service. Bathrooms remained open, floors were not being mopped before 11:00, etc. However, the chairs were put up onto tables at 10:40 and patrons began checking their watches and started to leave. One woman even stepped outside briefly to verify the business hours before returning to her table. This evening we noticed an increase in the number of patrons compared to previous Tuesday nights, possibly due to the store not appearing closed at 9:30. Also we would like to mention that while the general service seemed improved, our service was followed by hushed snickering and stares in our direction. We are not trying to be petty, but they do know us as regulars and since we gave specific details to the assistant manager that I'm sure she passed on, it is reasonable to assume they know who made the complaints. It is our intention to see Starbucks quality service restored to this location: “…putting people before products…”
As I hope you can see from the above examples, we are extremely frustrated. We are continually feeling as though we are rushed to enjoy our time or that we are a burden to the individuals working at your store. In the past, some of this same behavior took place when the store closed at 10 but not to the extreme that it has been happening since the closing time changed to 11. We love spending time in your store and would love to continue doing so, but not under these unfriendly circumstances. There are many other places that would be happy to provide a genuine customer friendly atmosphere for us to enjoy our time out.

Sincerely,
The Coffee Horde

Apple Kids

2006-06-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Sun Ain't shinning here

2006-05-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

So my motivation to be productive this week has basically went from 10 to 0 in 20 seconds this week. Its been the week from hell of all weeks. First off my son has a seizure. SCAREY! Ok that by itsself can reduce productivity on its own. Then you add in the other bits and its just downright slug productivity. Yesterday I get a call from my mom that my grandmothers kidneys's have failed and no longer work, Which means she will need to go on dialysis. And to be honest I dont know exactly how much of that she can take. She's already in very poor health. Then this morning at 7am we get a call from Tom's mom that his uncle Hub has been diagnosed with kidney cancer. They have no idea how or if its matasticized (SP). So we are officially playing a waiting game for more information. Why when it rains it pours? Why do terrible things happen in threes?

Prayer for Christian

2006-05-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

We are in need of some major prayer for Christian. Yesterday I was at the park with Christian. He was playing on a spinning toy, he began to whimper so I stopped the toy. Once it was stopped he slid to the ground and had a seizure. 20 minutes later he started vomiting. I called his pediatrician and we rushed him in immediately. They called it Motion induced low blood pressure which caused a seizure. Two things now can happen. 1. it can be an anomaly and never happen again and he could just be someone who easily becomes motion sick OR 2. He could be extremely sensitive to motion and continue having seizures. This is the same condition as if someone were placed in front of strobe lighting. Right now the doctors have recommended that we keep him away from carousels, merry go rounds, those spinning toys at the park etc. They've also seen this in children who play playstation. The rapid motion of the characters causing seizures. (I know its a weird.) If this becomes a chronic thing they will then recommend an EEG and they will try to induce a seizure with strobe lighting to see his brain activity. He seems fine today. Acting like a normal 2 year old. Please pray for wisdom of the doctors, Tom and I and healing for christian.

Rolande's Blog

2006-05-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

I've added a new blog to my friends list. Mostly because he whined he wasn't there....but I had no idea he even blogged :)

So check it out :)

Long time no blog

2006-05-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, how long has it been since I blogged last! Way to long and way to much has been happening to even update here on my blog, but I will try.

First and foremost!
We are expecting a baby in the family! And its finally not one of our own :) Tom's sister Mim and her husband Vince are expecting their first child in November (a great month for babies if I do say so myself)

We are coming to a close on our first official homeschooling year. Caitlin is brining her Junior Kindergarden to a close and its been a smashing success! Shes doing so well and learns so quickly. Curriculum is getting tougher so I see next year as the year for challengers for her! But I do believe shes up for it.

Christian is growing up so fast!! He loves to do school with his sister or anything she does really. He gets into everything!!! He's definitely a two year old. Below is a pic of his latest accomplishment.

One morning christian wakes up before I do, so he goes into the kitchen, gets a bowl and for some reason needs 4 forks goes at the cake. Then he decides he's thirsty and gets a glass and puts it into the water dispenser on the fridge. He leaves it there and it overflows flooding into the living room. Ya just gotta laugh...

Here's the kids latest and Greatest Pictures together. You can see the rest of them at www.flickr.com/photos/kellyschaos

Tom starts a new job at Apple. He is so excited. He finally gets to work for his fav company, I really think its just so he can get a discount :) And I'm excited because I can go to their onsite fitness center. :) wooohooo

I'm getting ready for my first trip away from home alone! NO KIDS! I'm off to Vegas as of June 4th and I will be returning June 8th. It will be an awesome time! My friend Lily has a vacation club so we get the rooms for free! Well I get it for free. I might have to take her out for a lovely dinner somewhere! :)

GO SHARKS! I'm so excited that the sharks are in the playoffs, I just hope they can beat the oilers this round and move on. And I hope the fans can have more class than they did the other night(booing the canadian national anthem). If I was there I sooo would have said something to people. My husband and children are canadian and so are a lot of the sharks players, sharks fans are starting to act like Pronger and Smyth.

Ok so thats enough for today I will be back tomorrow, same bat time same bat place. But with hopefully more interesting things to report :)

grrrrr.....

2006-01-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

This is how I feel today but off to church like a good little christian I go....

Kelly Martha Stewart!

2005-12-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

Today I am officially Kelly martha Stewart. I am attempting to paint and decorate my own personal space. I went to walmart, found curtains I like, more like a cutsie swag dealio and then matched a bright accent color for the wall. Now I'm not a purple fan, some shades are nice but I usually like more comtemporary colors. But I chose a dark navy for the swag and a lively lavendar for the wall color. Now I know what you think. DEAR LORD! WHAT HAS SHE DONE. But really it looks rather nice together....or at least I think it does :)

I will post pics as soon as its ready :)

New Specs

2005-12-22T19:27:00.000-08:00

So How happy am I with my new specs!! I have never been able to see this well! Ever!!. I'm usually squinting even with my glasses on when I'm looking at the computer screen, but suddenly a whole new world has opened up!! I CAN SEE!! Its amazing I'm sitting here 2 feet away from my monitor and I can see the tiny text LOL :) Ok sorry I had to blog this because I'm just so excited. My new frames are also somewhat new. Something completely different from what I would have ever chosen, they are called "britney" but they are so not a valley girl kind of glasses. I will post them soon so you can see them :)

Caitlin's Progress

2005-12-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

So for the longest time, when I first decided to homeschool, I couldn't figure out what curriculum to use. There are so many out there and so many resources it was a tough decision to make. But when Caitlin was three I looked through some curriculum books at Barnes and Noble and found a beginning cutting and tracing book from KUMON Caitlin loved it and flew through the books like there was no tomorrow. She wasn't bored and she was always excited about doing *school* After finishiing the cutting and tracing books, we moved on to other books such as, uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers 1-30 and the pasting book. She loves them all and is almost finished with all of them. She's started kindergarden Math and Kindergarden reading. She read her first beginner book yesterday to her dad. She was so excited. We use Hooked on Phonics and its really an amazing curriculum. Caitlin has really taken off and is really excited about using the software and placing stickers on the word families shes learned. She's really loving school and is always excited about doing. Which gives me the encouragement I need to remember the choice we made to homeschool was a great one. :)

Teach The Children

2005-12-19T20:12:00.000-08:00

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened...

I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out.

"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat, and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.

He then answered me with a simple statement. "TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled; what did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree.

As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas; the meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten."

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."

He then pulled from his bag and ornament of HIMSELF. "Teach the children that I, Santa Clause symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him."

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave..." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the holy babe and presented him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men."

Again Santa reached into his bag. This time he brought forth a tiny red and white striped CANDY CANE. As he hung it on the tree, he spoke softly. "The candy cane is a stick of hard white candy. White is to symbolize the virgin birth and the sinless nature of Jesus. The hardness symbolizes the Solid Rock ... the foundation of the church, and the firmness of God's promises. The candy cane is in the shape of a "J" to represent our Savior. It represents the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth.

It is also the shape of the crook of the Good Shepherd, which He uses to reach down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs ... who, like all sheep, have gone astray. The original candy cane had three small red stripes, which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. It also has a large red stripe that represents the blood shed of Jesus, so that we can have the promise of eternal life. Teach these things to the children."

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest on earth peace and good will toward men."

Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return. Santa looked back and was pleased.

He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes.
He said, "Remember, teach the children the TRUE meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship Him,
Jesus Christ our Lord, our God."

Author Unknown

Pooh Snatchers

2005-12-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

I'm pissed off today. I go outside to take out some poopy diapers and I find that someone has stolen our inflatable pooh! Yanked teh sucker right out of the ground. To bad they didn't get electrocuted in the process. It was a christmas pooh I bought for the kids 20$ at walgreens. My daughter is devastated. COME ON PEOPLE!! Get your own damn decorations! Who knew you had to chain down your christmas decorations.

A conversation between 4 year olds

2005-12-07T09:18:00.000-08:00

Caitlins friend zachary came over today to play and here is a conversation I overheard.

*while playing*

caitlin: Zachary look see my baby *holding her baby my little pony complete with diapers and a bottle*
Zachary: Oh he has a tummy ache
Caitlin: Zachary its a girl. WE'RE GOING TO BE PARENTS
Caitlin: Mommy, zachary and I are going to be parents!!
Mommy: LOL shes a beautiful baby
Zachary: She has a tummy ache
Caitlin: NO ZACHARY *SIGH* SHE'S FINE!! (just like typical wife and husband style)

Before i was a Mom

2005-12-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do
tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want
to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the
hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my
body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and
happy.
Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every
10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The
wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

And remember that behind every successful mother... Is a basket of dirty
laundry.
Author Unknown

Caitlin's new Dooo.....

2005-11-28T21:36:00.000-08:00

So caitlin decides on monday to give herself a haircut. I was on the phone with a friend and she comes in all excited and says "Mom my hair grew short!!" I was speechless......

I asked her why she would do such and thing and her response was, "I wanted a haircut, can we go to the barbie car place now?" I immediately tell her no, and take her to supercuts, however that still wasn't much of a punishment she was in heaven getting her hair cut anyway. We made a deal that if she wants her hair cut she will come tell me and I will take her to kids kuts and have them do it. She agreed.

Her hair did turn out pretty cute, however I was still upset and tried everything I could to keep from crying.

A sick one

2005-11-28T08:11:00.000-08:00

So last night while trying to enjoy a nice cuddle session with my husband in front of the fireplace, we hear our son crying. We make several trips into his room putting his pacifier back in his mouth. The last trip my husband goes on I hear this horrid sound. The sound of my little one throwing up. He was up four more times to throw up and settled down the rest of the night. I felt so bad for him, this is his first stomach flu with vomiting he's ever had. Today he seems much more chipper, nibbling on graham crackers and water. However he has the rankest gas I have ever smelled in my life and he keeps wanting to take off his diaper. So today we are all enjoying a snuggle in moms bed watching little einsteins. I think I might be getting sick ICK!!

Disneyland 2005

2005-11-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

Disneyland 2005

funny things my daugher said

Talking about the cold swimming pool next to the hot tub
"Mom maybes thats a cold tub"

Talking to the story time guy at the castle
"excuse me, please tell Belle to find Cinderella for us ok? she went that way" pointing in the direction Belle was walking.

About the 3-D shows and some of the rides:
"Yea mom I don't like that ride, daddy and christian can go on those again ok?"
(there were very few she actually liked)

So we spent three days at disneyland. We were all excited to go and we were looking forward to all the excitement, California Adventure and the remodeled Disneyland. The last time I was at D-land it was 10 years ago and of course a lot has changed; Tom and the Kids have never been. And we can't forget that its D-lands 50th Anniversary.

The first Day was a bit overwhelming for us and the kids. I highly recommend you plan your days of what you want to see and stick to it. Makes for a much easier time :) especially with two small ones. Luckily we figured that out after the first day. Secondly, the hotel......oh brother did it leave something to be desired. After trying to get into the Dland resorts and failing miserably because everything was booked up for the weekend. We would some nights but they were all spread out and we wouldn't be able to stay for the whole weekend at one place. So I opted for the cheaper route. Well the cheaper route turned out to be the CHEAP CHEAP route. I figured we would only be sleeping there and anything on disneyland drive next to the park can't be that bad at all. *HAH* We stayed at the Super Tacky Super 8. Yes I know what your thinking. "Isn't it obvious what we were getting" No not really I knew it wouldn't be like staying at the hilton or at a holiday Inn. But remember it's right next to the park. Which we find out doesn't really matter. First of all when we get there the lobby looks really nice. They are remodeling, so that must be the look AFTER the remodel. So so far not to bad. We get to our room and its a huge room. Nice size for all of us and seems very clean. Tom had asked for a play yard or crib. NONE. They were out of them (kinda hard to imagine tho) so I ended up sleeping with both kids that night. The second night we call down for a crib again and they have one and its 6$ a night. It shoulda been free but it wasn't AND it was horrible. It was so wobbly that I was scared to death to put christian in it. I truly feared for my sons life. But Tom rigged it so it was safe. Our rooms were left with two towels. Yes You heard it two. You know how some hotels at least give you two in the shower and two outside where the sink area is. Nope, Nope Nope. Two. And they are so thin that they dont really dry you off. And if you call down to get more towels, you have to walk to the lobby to get them yourselves. Ok so these things aren't so bad. Things you can live with, well except for the crib. Then comes the beds and the bathroom. The beds were so uncomfortable I'm surprised we got any sleep at all. The bathroom..... The shower head stood all of 5'2" and when your 5'10 and 5'11 it makes it hard to actually wash your hair. Then when you look up around the top of the bathtub where the tub meets the wall, all along the top is mildew. And there was some unidentified matter caked on, and dangling from the bathroom fan. Overall the place gets NO stars from us.

Now for the highlight of our vacation, Disneyland and California Adventure. thank God it was so much nicer than the hotel. :) We had so much fun!! The first day was spent chasing after princesses and characters that Caitlin wanted autographs for. The third day we got early arrival to the park and it helped a lot because we got to ride at least 7 rides in a row without having to wait in long lines.

Rides we rode or attractions we went to :

Haunted Mansion - Catlin loved it
Roger Rabbit ride - Caitlin not fond of
Mr. Toads wild ride - Caitlin not fond of
Pinnochios daring journey - Caitlin not fond of
Dumbo Ride - She loved it
Storybook land Canal boats - Caitlin loved
Tarzans Treehouse - Caitlin looved
Many adventures of Winny the Pooh - Caitlins favorite
Its a small world - Caitlin loved
King Arthur Carrousel - Caitlin loved
Mad Tea Party - Caitlin loved
Buzz lightyears Astro Blasters - Caitlin loved it until Zurg popped out
Honey I shrunk the audience - she hated
Santas Beach Blast - caitlin loved
The ugly Bug Ball - She loved but the big heads bothered her
Block Party Bash - She loved, wouldn't dance tho
A chrimstas Fantasy Parade - she loved
Its hard to be a bug 3d - she loved
Disneyland Railroad - Christians favorite
Toontown
Frontierland shows
Aladdin and Jasmine Show

Restaurants

Cafe Orleans - great food
Plaza Inn - Great food
Ariels Gratto - we stopped chasing princesses and got their signatures here, Ariel spent 25 mintues playing dolls with Caitlin after she was done walking around with the other kids she came back just to play with her. Caitlin was in heaven.

Mr. Cleans Magic Eraser

2005-11-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

Ok I swear by this thing!! and here is why:

my daughter has written on everything you can imagine, herself and her brother included. We've gotten her out of that phase or at least we thought. So today my son gets ahold of one my daughters markers and writes all over the bathroom door. I'm furious thinking theres no way the eraser is going to remove that. So I just sigh and walk away thinking I will have to repaint the door and throw out every marker, crayon pencil in our house. While making breakfast my daughter decides to write in pencil all over my dresser inside our closet. She had already scribbled on it with crayon. So off to time out she goes with a stern stern talking. I resign myself to getting out the eraser hoping it will get the marker off the door. I swipe it one time and the marker is gone!!! I almost wet myself I was so happy. The door is completely clean. So with a renewed optimism for my lil eraser I go into our bedroom to clean up the pencil and crayon, and it wiped away like it was magic. Its gone. Clean. Oh I'm so happy. I use it on our school table all the time. My kids do a lot of art projects and the table gets pretty messy. But I never thought that marker would come off the bathroom door. How does that thing work anyhow???

This testimonial as been brought to you by the Byrnes.

I think this is soo wrong

2005-11-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

My pirate name is:

Dirty Jenny Rackham

You're the pirate everyone else wants to throw in the ocean -- not to get rid of you, you understand; just to get rid of the smell. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.

Disneyland or Bust

2005-11-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

So today we are off to disneyland! Caitlin is so super dooper excited. She keeps asking me if we are all packed and ready to go. We leave today at 1;30 after Tom comes home from work. I'm kind of excited myself. Its been 10 years since I've been to disneyland. And Tom has never been. So its a first for most of the family. I will post more later when we get back :)