Do You Remember...

When you first started reading?  This year's main focus has been learning to read for Zephyr. Mrs. Jana (fellow Texas homeschooler & blogger) told us about The Well Trained Mind . I agree with the author's suggested use of literature to teach Zephyr and Saenz. 

We have also used: Hooked on Phonics, Reading Eggs, Reading Rabbit, McGuffey's, migratory flocks of primers, and sight word flash cards. 

The lovely thing is one afternoon we got my WALKING DEAD: Compendium 1  delivered and Zephyr realized he could read the words.  Mind you! He did sound out an expletive but, I was just so happy he connected his past lessons into actual reading. PHEW! I feel like I have done my job as a teacher.

Now Zephyr is reading whatever, he gets his hands on and has the confidence to tell me (SSSSSSHHHH) it is his turn.  Plus now I have been looking for movies with subtitles in English to help his fluency.  So this year we will be ordering Sonlight Multi Core C (2nd grade) plus more readers for him at 3rd reading level. 

http://www.sonlight.com/homeschool-curriculum.html?type=grade&grade=2&tab=multisubject

So let me invite ya'll to do a happy dance.

We have a new reader in the chicken coop!
Happy Easter to All who pass here.
Mal

Just Another Day

     This morning, my friend Mrs. Lily came over to take me into town for blood work.  (Remember I no longer have a car.)  We caught up on all the latests family news between us. 

Let me tell ya'll something.

     Have you taken a look around?  Spring is breathing life into us here.  While I did not stop to take pictures of the fields of wildflowers especially now with blue bonnets blooming in mass. The entire countryside here is now green with grass up to a foot high.
 

Meet Yolandra; she took the required vials of blood. 

Next Tuesday, I will find out if I am living or not.

     I am loving this new med for bipolar it is called Symbyax.  This has been the first time in my adult life that a medication has not made my brain feel like it was floating away from my body, made me jumpy, caused suicidal thoughts, or so hyper (just what a person with rapid cycling needs) I was climbing the walls.  I know it is supposed to take 2 weeks for one of these types of meds to build up and help the patient but, I noticed a difference after four days.  Especially now, I can sleep regular hours and feel like cleaning house.  

     Some folks with bipolar can not function well because of lack of sleep. No joke, I could go 4 days or more some times back in my 20s with sleep (I was single then). Those times were not bad if; I was doing something like crocheting a baby blanket which I would finish in a night or say read a book or two.  One of the best things I have learned and I will contribute it to my mom's form of discipline was/is how to compartmentalize emotions, thoughts, anger, anxiety, or energy -- and just do tasks.  This was how I functioned at work.

     I could be doing my work but, inside my head, I would literally being doing or thinking a dozen things not even aware my fingers were moving.  Bi-polar helped me acutally 'copy' Morse code, listen to music, read and talk to peers all at the same time.  I credit my bipolar with my uncanny recall because I remember most things or conversations and have a rigid sense of right and wrong.  What helped me most besides medication was working out, going dancing in clubs, and then later having children.  These things would draw me out of my head focus on my own selfish ideas, dreams, and inner conversations.

     If a person with bipolar can get out of their head and silence all the din and inner turmoil; he or she will find they can function. Any ways, that is just my opinion from personal experience.  I do not have a medical degree.

     I did want to pass on a website I have come to love because the writer is seriously fuuny about politics.
http://thepoliticalparent.com/

And thanks Mrs. Lily!  I enjoyed our visit and the ride into town.  I am off to hop around some blogs now.

Take care all who pass here.
Mal

4.3 LBS of Energy, February Update

Here is Sid talking to Roux.   She just loved to comb his chin hair every chance she could.  This month, Sid and Junior came down to spend Saenz's 14th birthday with us.  Both boys live in San Antonio and are financially struggling since neither have a job due to lay offs.   This economy is just not kind to 'blue collar' workers. 

Hubby was given a clean bill of health after a few tests.  Saenz, Zephyr, and I stayed outside in the parking lot when dad had to show up at 6:30 in the morning.  We had quiet the drive and could not believe how much traffic there is on the country roads now that the oil industry is DRILLING like crazy in South Texas.

We took the boys to lunch at Shorty's in Beeville after  their doctor's appointment.  Zephyr was impressed with all the animal displays there but, not so much with the quality of the food.  I have to say, I was disappointed as well and we are marking this one off our 'frequent list.'

Little Roux is growing up. This month, I tried giving her a bath in Dawn dishsoap to get rid of her fleas. Not only did it not work well but, she still smelled like a wet dog.

So I tried Listerine, and WAAAAA LAAAA! Success, those fleas just died on her pelt and then I washed her with Dawn --- no wet dawg smell.  No chemicals sprays or gels because she is just so tiny. We keep her indoors with us and until she reaches 6 lbs; I will not be allowing her around other dogs or to wander about in the yard alone. 

We put Banjo's old jacket on Roux to take a special picture for our friend Jennifer.  This week Jennifer had to put down her 15 year old Nimbi.  Nimbi was such a wonderful friend and diva that we are honoring her by dressing up.  May you find joy over the rainbow bridge Ms. Nimbi.  I am sure your sister Minki and humans Walt and Jennifer meet you there some day.

R.I.P.  Nimbi

Do You Fudge Some Days?

What I mean by fudge is; letting go and sitting back in quiet awe.  Or allowing things to slip by like dusting, sweeping and mopping; when your floors look like hell.  I just think we all are guilty of getting caught up in the minutiae of life.  Some days, I have to leave television off or just have it on for white noise in the background. 


Other days, the boys are all nice and kind to each other and I just scan them with suspicious eyes; wondering if they built a nuclear warhead when I turned my back.  Normally, they are  two sore-tailed cats who need to retreat to their respective marked terriority of 'MINE.' On these days, if they are happy to be brothers we sometimes cut school work in half. Sssssh, don't tell them the key to getting time off. :O)

Today was one of those days, we ran some eggs over to  neighbor Mrs. Maguglin.  Got home in time to be blessed with a visit from Mrs. Lily.  My boys just adore her and Zephyr especially tries to keep her occupied with her stories of his Lego battle warriors.  We hope you enjoy the onions, mustard greens, and squash we sent home with you.  Thanks Mrs. Lily for coming over, no worries we will pick up in the morning where the boys left off in their school work.

A thing I miss though since lasik, has been jumping on my Husky and mowing the grass.  With my eyes being so sensitive to bright light and irritants; I can only look out my window with a longing of horsepower.  HEE HEE it is so hard to give over the keys to hubby on the weekends.

As these days of summer are bearing down on us; please take some time to fudge days of work now and again.  I am sure our Creator doesn't mind a slower pace.

Something I Feel I Must Pass On

I found this article by Rebbeca Dube on Today's website.
"Little girl loved: One father's open letter to a young rape victim."
http://moms.today.com/_news/2011/03/18/6294525-little-girl-loved-one-fathers-open-letter-to-a-young-rape-victim

And then followed it to the open letter on a blog highlighted in red.  Such a beautiful letter.


"[Editor's Note: After reading our MyBrownBaby post, "Gang Rape In Texas: When Will We Stop Sacrificing Girls In Defense of Black Boys," Nick was moved to pen this letter to the 11-year-old victim. I extend a special invitation to the mothers and fathers who've read this powerful prose to leave empowering and loving messages to and for this child, and the many more like her, here at MyBrownBaby and at the Little Girl Loved FaceBook Group started by MyBrownBaby friend Robin Caldwell. We also suggest you follow @littlegirlloved on Twitter and, with the hashtag #littlegirlloved, share this post and the many e-letters we hope to collect for this child. Let’s lift her spirit and let her know that if her town won’t support her and her family, we certainly will.]


Nick Chiles, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, is the author of eight books, including the New York Times bestselling tome “The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms,” co-written with gospel legend Kirk Franklin. Nick also writes for several publications including Essence, where he frequently pens stories about fatherhood and manhood."

http://mybrownbaby.com/2011/03/black-father-kicks-off-a-love-letter-campaign-in-support-of-the-11-year-old-gang-rape-victim-in-cleveland-texas/

So I found myself posting (sharing) this beautifully written letter to my Facebook friends and I thought I would share this letter with those who pass this way.  My heart is so sad and full for the young girl who had to endure such torture at the hands of many. 

The Art of Friendship and Good Neighbors

Yesterday, we went to the Maguglins to trade eggs and just visit.  My boys are just thrilled to run around their property. It is fun to watch the children play together outside because they run around and burn up energy.  What is really cool, each time we go there we learn something new.

Mrs. Sobrina taught us about caring for show rabbits   We had no idea they had to be of a certain weight nor the standards for judgement for the farm shows around the area. Their rabbits are weighed daily, have tattoo'd ears, have to have their under coat brushed out and look like their litter mates.

WHO KNEW? 

Then, we watched their show pigs which are Hamsphires (English breed); and they require a certain type of ration to lay down weight and fat properly for judgement. What is interesting about their show pigs and a major difference from our hogs (feral)are their body structure.  The Hampshires have really large hind quarters that are heavily muscled and makes them look quite hippy.  Then on top of their backs are deep crease to which helps to show their fat content.  Mrs. Maguglin which probably weighs a 100 lbs soaking wet just hopped -- right into their pen and herded the pigs into their play yard.

Zephyr loves to run about their place looking for spent shotgun shells like a treasure hunter.  And Saenz loves to chat and be a boy with the Maguglin's oldest son.  The best thing about having another homeschooling family so close by, who are from this area; is knowing we can ask questions.  This means I have a source to learn how to become a better farmer, mother, and teacher.  WIN WIN in my book.

Later in the day they came over to drop off some homemade bread.  Saenz and Zephyr took the Maguglin children out to see the animals and swing under the oak tree.  Overall, Tuesday was a lovely day spent with good friends and great neighbors.  Can't ask for more....

Hope ya'll are enjoying your slices of heaven!
Mal

My Friend Kat Is Back!

Wooo Hooo after a full month stateside, Ms. Kat is back on the island.  I am so happy to see you my Hawaiian Connnection. 

I love you my over the pond sistah!

Throws Confetti in the air,
Dances to Dion's The Wanderer.......

Click on this blog's title to take you over to Kat's blog.  She doesn't post often but when she does your hair will be blown back.

"SWITCHES" For My Friend Kat

In memory of David, who died last night: husband, father, friend, educator and all the roles a man could own.

The Story of Switches written in 2007.


'Once I was listening to a doctor explain to his young patient and family about cancer.  How some people were able to fight the disease and survive while, others do not do as well? He made the analogy of people and their lives being a series of switches:

This doctor took the time to draw on a white board a series of switches in a line which represented a person’s life.


He went on to explain everyone is born with a number of switches on a switch board. If one person smoked the lung cancer switch (choice) came on or off based up another series of switches say: diet, heredity, spirituality, weight, exercise, environment, medication, exposure, stress, mental ability to cope, or lifestyle.


He told his patient that while he did not know why her cancer switch was turned on to begin with; he would help her and her family try to find the switch to turn it back off. And he needed her to tell him what was important to her so he could find the right series of switches to flip.


The amazing thing is, this 10 year old girl understood the doctor’s analogy. Tyra went on to tell the doctor what she felt was important for her to get better.


I sat in the room in awe of her, her maturity and understanding. I watched her with her mom and was there for some of her therapies. She went into remission for awhile I would hang with her when I could not sleep. My daughter and she became fast friends along with the other children on the ward.


One night, she told me, “I am not afraid to die but,” she did say, “I am afraid of my Mommie being alone.” I asked her if she talked, to her mom about it and she just shook her head no and we dropped the subject.


Just after Easter 2004, Tyra slipped into a coma, her body shut down and the little girl died. I went to her funeral out of state, it was then I asked her mother if I could name the child I was carrying after Tyra.


Her mom, Mary asked what happens if you have a boy. To which I replied, “I will switch the name to fit a boy.” Zephyr Aryt, is the SWITCH that represents Tyra’s life and we all go on.'


Kat, My over the pond sister.  I too grieve and mourn with your family today.  You are a part of my soul and have given me many switches..........


Rest in Peace David


LOVE,
Mal

WHY I BLOG: Lack of Re·gur·gi·ta·tion

Y'all may not know this but I was pretty much wiped out this weekend.  Seems I have upper respiratory and sinus infection to boot.  I am medicated but what the hell; stoning on Tussin, Albuterol, Ciprofloxacn as I type.

Now while I am almost mobile and moving, I spent three days sleeping on the couch with the television on to keep time/company.  I made a discovery which is probably not remarkable in itself. Cable news media -- all -- just tell the same ole stories of: corruption, sexual misconduct, political back biting, lunatic rampages, who wore what rags to the Oscar, and a other glib horrific recanting of missing, abused, or killed faceless strangers. 

MSNBC supports Obama
ABC/DISNEY is seeking more profits
FOX hates OBAMA
HLN loves sensational stories

So, I am sticking to Current, NPR, and Vanguard with a little international news thrown in for spice and variety.  These may be our last bastions of true journalism.

(I CAN NOT BELIEVE REPORTERS COMPARTMENTALIZE SO WELL.)

The whole reason why I love blogging and connecting with others is quite simple.  I want to connect with real folks living real lives.  If one listens to the media I or We will all:

Copulate with strangers.
Have our children abucted.
Identities stolen
Have no financial security without Wall Street.
Can not live without big banking.
Care about consenting adults do in their bedrooms behind closed doors.
Need Viagra, Yaz, or other countless medications to dull our senses.

What I have come to respect and enjoy about the bloggers I have been following is:


They cherish their relationships with family, spouses, children, friends and neighbors.


They give back by being HUMAN supporting communities and country.


They love animals and watching things grow.


They are becoming self-sufficient even though, we are lead to believe we must eat out of a box or bag.


They share information, experiences, and themselves.


So if any of this doesn't make sense. Sorry but, it does to me.  I will clean this post up tomorrow.  Seriously considering giving up Tussin; while not seeing pink elephants in g-strings at the stripper pole.   I am light headed...

Smiles ~;>

Through the rearview-repost from Ebay

Original post was on EBAY BLOGS (Jan 4, 2008):

Cut and pasted here: Sept 24, 2008.

Through the rearviewPosted Jan-04-08 21:17:17 PST Updated Jan-04-08 21:20:50 PSTTomorrow will be two weeks since Jo Jo was buried. I have chosen not to write or really play much here. I miss her. I can not just pick up the phone anymore and hear her voice. I am afraid to call her cell phone because I don't want to know if her parents have turned off the service.

I drive by the flea market she owned but have not brought myself to stop--yet. It is like she is moving away from me like an image in the rearview mirror.
CommentReport this post EditDelete
Comments
Back to toptru_gritt02 ( 1065) View seller's items View Blogsaenz, i had not heard.....
im sorry.

Jan-04-08 21:18:57 PST Delete Report this comment

hisamij316 ( 2371) View seller's items View BlogI did not know she had passed away saenz...I am so sorry...I know you loved her from the way you spoke about her....she will live in your heart always...hold tight to that...
Jan-04-08 21:19:38 PST Delete Report this comment

wysecw ( 414) View seller's items View Bloghugs
Jan-04-08 21:23:26 PST Delete Report this comment

rustybarb ( 431) View seller's items View BlogHard to believe it's been 2 weeks already saenz.

I know the strange feeling. My mother called me every Saturday at 10am without fail, for years - if I didn't get to her first. After the week of her funeral, when I was home that first Saturday, the phone was strangely quiet. I'll never forget that, and can't explain it to someone who hasn't been there. I know you understand.

Still very sorry for your loss.

Jan-04-08 21:25:47 PST Delete Report this comment

the_barefoot_cajun ( 378) View seller's items View Bloghugs
Jan-04-08 21:28:55 PST Delete Report this comment

Back to topaswegrow2 ( 3488) View seller's items View Blog(((((HUGS))))) and all you have to do is look up and smile, she will answer.
Jan-04-08 21:29:12 PST Delete Report this comment

wysecw ( 414) View seller's items View Blogrusty, my mom was 10:30 pm every nite....eerie and somehow wrong when it doesn't happen.
I can't tell you the times I went to the phone to dial....and then hung up brokenhearted.

Jan-04-08 21:30:37 PST Delete Report this comment

redcowspots ( 463) View seller's items View BlogSo very sorry.
Jan-04-08 21:31:45 PST Delete Report this comment

aswesow ( 43) View seller's items View Blog:) Guess it's o.k to send a cyber (((HUG))))
Jan-04-08 21:32:38 PST Delete Report this comment

wysecw ( 414) View seller's items View Blogmal if I can help in any way I am here, just let me know
Jan-04-08 21:37:48 PST Delete Report this comment

Back to toprivera8821 ( 505) View seller's items View Bloghugs
Jan-04-08 21:48:25 PST Delete Report this comment

charolettestar ( 18) View seller's items View Blogwow. I'm so sorry. when my friend passed away, it felt like he had just moved away too. Denial can be rough but keep your chin up and think of the fonder memories.
Jan-04-08 21:53:28 PST Delete Report this comment

beaddance ( 186) View seller's items View BlogSaenzmom, my condolences on the loss of your friend, Jo-Jo. {{{hugs}}}
Jan-07-08 05:16:51 PST Delete Report this comment

ironchassis ( 65) View seller's items View Blogsaenz, yikes.

that's sad.

The first few weeks, those are the tough ones. Hang in there. Celebrating her life on earth is a good thing. Keeping busy helps too. And never underestimate the value of a good cry. I used to save up for the shower. Come out with red eyes and no explaining. Just too long in the shower. ((((hugs))))) to you. And nekkid chicken.

Feb-21-08 16:29:02 PST Delete Report this comment

For Mixednut, Sept 2, 2007

EBAY ORIGINAL POST

http://blogs.ebay.com/saenzmom/entry/Do-U-really-love-people/_W0QQidZ255384019#comments

Do U really love people?Posted Sep-02-07 18:12:53 PDT
Isn't it strange how a person you have never met or wrote to can make a difference in your life? Kat and Boddhi; you have both been in my heart again today. I hope all is well this is my ode:

Boddhi, My ShadeSeptember 1, 2007,

written by Nekkid Chicken

People often look yet choose not to see
Ears do so listen but won’t hear
Fingers reach and don’t feel
Hearts beat without a song

Each day that passes like a rain drop
In a soul’s storm of life
How long before the bucket is full
And flows no more

This blog is for Kat and her son Boddhi (Jason) who has Stage 4 Glio (brain tumor). I've thought of you all day & wanted to tell others of his "face." Boddhi is a lovely talented artist, father, that is living with a brain tumor. I told Kat, that his artwork to me is his "face" since I have never met him. I feel moved each time I see and interpret his flight with his condition and pain.
Love, Hugs and Kisses,
Nekkid Chicken

This writing reminds me of Boddhi:

"FACE"
by Khahlil Gilbran
A look which reveals inward stress adds more beauty to the face,
not mattter how tragedy and pain it bespeaks;
but the face which, in silence,
does not announce hidden mysteries--is not beautiful,
regardless of the symmetry of its features. The cup does not entice our lips
unless the wine's color is seen through the transparent crystal.

http://blogs.ebay.com/mixednut555/entry/Something-Beautiful-on-a-lighter-note/_W0QQcommentsyncidZ0QQidZ283884013

For Mixednut, Sept 1, 2007

Original Ebay Post

Can't get these two off my mind.

http://blogs.ebay.com/saenzmom/entry/Cant-get-these-two-off-my-mind/_W0QQidZ254446019#comments

This blog is for Kat and her son Boddhi (Jason) who has Stage 4 Glio (brain tumor). I've thought of you all day & wanted to tell others of his "face." Boddhi is a lovely talented artist, father, that is living with a brain tumor. I told Kat, that his artwork to me is his "face" since I have never met him. I feel moved each time I see and interpert his flight with his condition and pain.

Love, Hugs and Kisses,

Nekkid Chicken

This writing reminds me of Boddhi:

"FACE"

by Khahlil Gilbran

A look which reveals inward stress adds more beauty to the face,

not mattter how tragedy and pain it bespeaks;

but the face which, in silence,

does not announce hidden mysteries--is not beautiful,

regardless of the symmetry of its features. The cup does not entice our lips

unless the wine's color is seen through the transparent crystal.



http://blogs.ebay.com/mixednut555/entry/Something-Beautiful-on-a-lighter-note/_W0QQcommentsyncidZ0QQidZ283884013