I am a friend of a friend. I am no one's original friend. I am always the acquaintance, never the true friend. I wonder why that is? Sure I have close friends of my own, but it seems most of the people I know, are friends only because of other people. I swear it is just like high school. Between facebook and myspace, it is like a freakin reunion. Somehow, it is like history repeats itself. So and so are great friends, and I know them both, so we are "friends" on facebook or myspace. However, honestly, they wouldn't notice if I deleted them.
You know, now that I think about it, I am not the original friend with my close friends either. I am the “friend”, never the best friend, or the first choice friend. I am the person that people seem to like being around, but I am not the person they tell their secrets too. Or the person they exchange Christmas gifts with.
Another example is blogs I follow - I read a ton of other people’s blogs, but I am fairly certain those people don't read mine. Everyone’s blog has a list of other blogs they follow – I am never on that list.
I am not saying all of this because it makes me sad, or whatever. I just think it is interesting that all of the people I stalk on the internet, they have no clue who I am, and even if they do know who I am, I am certain they don't care. For what it’s worth, I am totally ok with the role I play in other people’s lives.
Maybe I should start my own clique, make my own friends. Maybe I should try harder to be THE friend. The glue, if you will. The trunk of the tree instead of a leaf (yeah, I am currently not even a branch). A cool new clique that everyone wants to be a part of, that is what I will do. Maybe I could make fliers to hand out at the grocery store, or staple them to a telephone pole. Maybe I could hold auditions? The possibilities are endless. I am going to post an update to this post in two months. And for the three people that read this, if you are super nice to me, I might let you in my cool new group.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Why We Homeschool...
I recently read an article that inspired me to blog about homeschooling. So many people we have encountered lately want to know *WHY* we homeschool. Like why on earth would we even have a desire to homeschool. So I thought I would blog about it, and maybe it would answer some questions. Of course, that would mean people would actually have to read this, and I doubt this site gets much traffic. Just in case though - here goes.
First and foremost we do it because we love being with our children. We actually enjoy their company. For some reason, that is shocking to a lot of people. It seems in today's world, people are constantly looking for an excuse to pawn their kids off on other people. At church, on the weekends, during the week. We are not those people. I don't have to tell most of you that we don't use babysitters, we don't leave our children in the nursery at church, and we don't send them to school. We actually want to BE with our kids. All of the time.
Another reason we have chosen to homeschool is because we want to make our religious convictions a central part of our curriculum. We integrate biblical history into our history lessons, we learn Christian character traits, and we learn how to live to please Jesus.
Also, we believe that the education our children would receive in public school would be far inferior to the education we can provide at this point in their lives. We can cater to their needs. We can teach them in ways that fit their individual learning styles. They aren't just a number at home. We have a genuine interest in their education and we are doing what we feel is best for that.
One more reason - our kids LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. They are so proud of the fact that they are homeschooled. Anytime someone asks what grade they are in, they say, "We're homeschooled!!!" Its awesome!
A lot of people wonder about socialization. It is a non issue, honestly. We participate in homeschool PE once a week, Jackson plays soccer, we are a part of a local homeschool group with 75 families, and we are very active at our church. So our kids are constantly around other children and adults.
There you have it. The reasons why WE homeschool. We love it and honestly can not FATHOM any other way!
First and foremost we do it because we love being with our children. We actually enjoy their company. For some reason, that is shocking to a lot of people. It seems in today's world, people are constantly looking for an excuse to pawn their kids off on other people. At church, on the weekends, during the week. We are not those people. I don't have to tell most of you that we don't use babysitters, we don't leave our children in the nursery at church, and we don't send them to school. We actually want to BE with our kids. All of the time.
Another reason we have chosen to homeschool is because we want to make our religious convictions a central part of our curriculum. We integrate biblical history into our history lessons, we learn Christian character traits, and we learn how to live to please Jesus.
Also, we believe that the education our children would receive in public school would be far inferior to the education we can provide at this point in their lives. We can cater to their needs. We can teach them in ways that fit their individual learning styles. They aren't just a number at home. We have a genuine interest in their education and we are doing what we feel is best for that.
One more reason - our kids LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. They are so proud of the fact that they are homeschooled. Anytime someone asks what grade they are in, they say, "We're homeschooled!!!" Its awesome!
A lot of people wonder about socialization. It is a non issue, honestly. We participate in homeschool PE once a week, Jackson plays soccer, we are a part of a local homeschool group with 75 families, and we are very active at our church. So our kids are constantly around other children and adults.
There you have it. The reasons why WE homeschool. We love it and honestly can not FATHOM any other way!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Hello 1990, I have missed you.
Somehow, someway, I have stepped back in time - 18 years (gasp!). So I am sitting on the couch watching 90210 on TV, and trying to plan a trip to see New Kids on the Block in concert. I am dead serious. Completely dead serious.
What is wrong with me? Am I 15 again? No, not 15. 33. Thirty freakin three. Watching the remake of 90210 is making me realize how old, how old and fat I am. Praise God girls didn't look like that when I was in high school. At least Jennie Garth is back on, and she is older than me. Of course, she looks fabulous, and skinny. And fabulous. And young. But still older. Well big difference between now and 18 years ago, is they can say "puss" on air now. And I don't mean they are referring to a cat.
I am seriously trying to plan a trip to Charlotte to see New Kids on the Block in concert too. I am getting my tight rolled jeans, big (and I mean way big) bangs, and red lipstick ready. Yeah, I am hangin tough. Jealous?
What is wrong with me? Am I 15 again? No, not 15. 33. Thirty freakin three. Watching the remake of 90210 is making me realize how old, how old and fat I am. Praise God girls didn't look like that when I was in high school. At least Jennie Garth is back on, and she is older than me. Of course, she looks fabulous, and skinny. And fabulous. And young. But still older. Well big difference between now and 18 years ago, is they can say "puss" on air now. And I don't mean they are referring to a cat.
I am seriously trying to plan a trip to Charlotte to see New Kids on the Block in concert too. I am getting my tight rolled jeans, big (and I mean way big) bangs, and red lipstick ready. Yeah, I am hangin tough. Jealous?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Major SCORE!
I recently joined houseparty.com (shout out to my peep Haley for the hook up). For those of you that have never heard of it, here is a brief description. It is a site that sends you different products to try out. The idea is to invite friends over and share the said product with them. The products range from food to toys, to a new kitchen! Well, I signed up for the Fisher Price party and they chose me to be a host! Here is what came today - 
All of it - for free. It even came with batteries. Some of the little gifts in the front are for us to share with the friends that come to the party. My kids woke up from their nap and thought it was Christmas morning! Holla! So who wants to come to the party? Saturday 4p!
All of it - for free. It even came with batteries. Some of the little gifts in the front are for us to share with the friends that come to the party. My kids woke up from their nap and thought it was Christmas morning! Holla! So who wants to come to the party? Saturday 4p!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
He is listening more than I think...
This story is why we homeschool. My heart would literally break in two if I missed this. We are focusing on the letter "J" this week. The curriculum we use ties the letter, a science, and a bible study into one. So since the letter is "J", we are studying "jewels" and how valuable they are. To bring our bible study in we are talking about jewels are very valuable, but there is one thing that is more valuable than that - Jesus. I often wonder how much Jackson is actually taking in and retaining. I know he does well in math, but with the kindergarten curriculum, there are no test or anything to see his progress. So today when we were doing our studies, he blew me away (as his mom more than his teacher). I asked him, "how do we know that Jesus is more valuable than jewels?" Here is his response, word for word:
Because he is God. And because he died on the cross. He died to forgive us for his sins, so we can go to heaven. And because he is nice. And he made our bodies. And that's all I got. And an angel helped him out of the tomb. I just membered that.
He really is listening. If he doesn't listen to anything else, he is listening to whats important. I am so proud of him.
Really he is surprising me this year, in just the 4 weeks since school has started back. He is really doing well. He is learning so much. Julianna is really picking up a lot too! It is so very rewarding to be home with them. To see them doing so well, and really enjoying our time together is just the icing on the cake.
Because he is God. And because he died on the cross. He died to forgive us for his sins, so we can go to heaven. And because he is nice. And he made our bodies. And that's all I got. And an angel helped him out of the tomb. I just membered that.
He really is listening. If he doesn't listen to anything else, he is listening to whats important. I am so proud of him.
Really he is surprising me this year, in just the 4 weeks since school has started back. He is really doing well. He is learning so much. Julianna is really picking up a lot too! It is so very rewarding to be home with them. To see them doing so well, and really enjoying our time together is just the icing on the cake.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
An old post from April
I know without a doubt these are the best years of my life. Every single day I try to soak up my babies and their sweetness because I know that they are growing so incrediably fast.
We just got back from Disney. We had a great time. It was crowded and hot, but it was really nice being together with everyone. Jackson really enjoyed riding the big boy rides - I can't believe he is tall enough ride them. Julianna is almost there herself. It blows my mind.
Tonight I was in the kitchen and I heard Jackson say, "put both legs on me Anna. Yeah, that's better." So I go in to peak on them, and Julianna is lying on the couch with her legs over Jackson's legs and his hand is on her. It was about the sweetest thing EVER. I love how they love each other. It makes me melt.
I love having three babies. I have finally found my place in life, doing what I am suppose to be doing.
We just got back from Disney. We had a great time. It was crowded and hot, but it was really nice being together with everyone. Jackson really enjoyed riding the big boy rides - I can't believe he is tall enough ride them. Julianna is almost there herself. It blows my mind.
Tonight I was in the kitchen and I heard Jackson say, "put both legs on me Anna. Yeah, that's better." So I go in to peak on them, and Julianna is lying on the couch with her legs over Jackson's legs and his hand is on her. It was about the sweetest thing EVER. I love how they love each other. It makes me melt.
I love having three babies. I have finally found my place in life, doing what I am suppose to be doing.
A Sweet Lesson
This weekend Brad's family came up for a visit. His mom and dad brought his "older than dirt" (quoting Julianna here) grandparents - Granny and Gramps. They are so sweet, and we all enjoyed their visit so much.
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Granny and Gramps gave the children $10 each. They were very excited and couldn't wait to go to WalMart to spend it. Well, on Sunday morning I decided I would ask them if they would like to tithe 10% of their money in church. I explained to them that the bible teaches us to give 10%, in their case $1.00, to the church. I tell them how when we are obedient to God, he blesses our lives. I really thought they were going to give me a hard time, and I wasn't going to make them give. But much to my surprise, they both completely willingly said yes, they would give. So we took a dollar each and put it in their pockets for church. I told them that Jesus, and mommy and daddy were very proud of them for obeying God. We got to church and they, without question once again, put their money in the offering plate. It was the sweetest thing ever. I told them again that God blesses those that are obedient.
So this morning, after we all get dressed for the day I asked them if they wanted to go to Walmart. Of course they did, so we got ready to go. As we were leaving, I slipped my hand in my pants pocket and found $3.00. I said to Jackson, "Jack, remember yesterday when mommy asked you if you would like to tithe $1.00 of your money? And you said yes, and mommy told you that God blesses those who obey him?" He said he remembered. I showed him what I found in my pocket. I said, "look, because you were obedient to Him, he blessed us with finding $3.00! Now you and Anna actually have $0.50 more than what you started with!" He was so excited. I really think he got it.
So I was thinking about it all tonight and I always had the intention of making up that dollar at Walmart. Of course, they didn't know that when they made the decision to tithe. I wonder how often that is the case with us? How often is God ready and willing to bless us if we just obey and follow is word? How many times do we mess it up by doing what WE think is best? What can we do to have the faith that Jackson and Julianna had yesterday morning? To obey God without question? What blessings are we missing?
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Granny and Gramps gave the children $10 each. They were very excited and couldn't wait to go to WalMart to spend it. Well, on Sunday morning I decided I would ask them if they would like to tithe 10% of their money in church. I explained to them that the bible teaches us to give 10%, in their case $1.00, to the church. I tell them how when we are obedient to God, he blesses our lives. I really thought they were going to give me a hard time, and I wasn't going to make them give. But much to my surprise, they both completely willingly said yes, they would give. So we took a dollar each and put it in their pockets for church. I told them that Jesus, and mommy and daddy were very proud of them for obeying God. We got to church and they, without question once again, put their money in the offering plate. It was the sweetest thing ever. I told them again that God blesses those that are obedient.
So this morning, after we all get dressed for the day I asked them if they wanted to go to Walmart. Of course they did, so we got ready to go. As we were leaving, I slipped my hand in my pants pocket and found $3.00. I said to Jackson, "Jack, remember yesterday when mommy asked you if you would like to tithe $1.00 of your money? And you said yes, and mommy told you that God blesses those who obey him?" He said he remembered. I showed him what I found in my pocket. I said, "look, because you were obedient to Him, he blessed us with finding $3.00! Now you and Anna actually have $0.50 more than what you started with!" He was so excited. I really think he got it.
So I was thinking about it all tonight and I always had the intention of making up that dollar at Walmart. Of course, they didn't know that when they made the decision to tithe. I wonder how often that is the case with us? How often is God ready and willing to bless us if we just obey and follow is word? How many times do we mess it up by doing what WE think is best? What can we do to have the faith that Jackson and Julianna had yesterday morning? To obey God without question? What blessings are we missing?
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