Welcome to Hoe Hen Inn: Sarah, Tex & Mex

Meet Sarah and Mex. 

Tex is on the left. 

 Tex is heavier than Roux by a pound or so.

At six weeks they are already bigger than our little diva Roux.

Grand daughter Sarah has joined our little homeschool; she is 8 and will be doing Sonlight curriculum with us.  Here she is with Zephyr on the back porch with puppies Tex and Mex.  The pups are Blue Tick Coon Hound and Labrador mix so, I am guessing they will weigh between 40 and 50 lbs when grown. 

Today I will be finding out if my bp meds are working.  Let me tell you, each time the doc changes or ups the dosage; I have to get used to it.  The first couple of days and I feel wiped out.  Plus I will be finding out if I need surgery on my knee.  Yep, I fell back in November; it has given me trouble since.  Fingers and Feathers crossed will ya.........?

So what will ya'll be doing for Easter?

Have Ya'll Noticed Spring Has Shown Up Early?

      Back in early Feb, we noticed our mesquite trees already budding along with some other of our fruit trees that made it through last year's drought.  I find it worrying how the seasons seem to be all messed up with climate change.  My heart goes out to all those who were harmed by such early tornados and then snow right after.  This leaves me wondering if this summer the United States will be plagued with hurricanes.  La Nina has been doing some really crazy things with our weather pattern.

What do ya'll think?

      I want to thank those of you who have inquired as to why my posts have been greatly reduced.  Seems, I have been in a bi-polar funk after my knee injury back in November.  I did not go see a doctor simply because after 20 years of being poked and prodded by doctors who were adept at treating symptoms.  I just did not want to waste my time listening to lectures or theories. I was just happy to be alive and able to stay with my boys. 

     Two weeks ago, I had to go to the emergency room because I was having muscle spasms so hard; I could not move or turn my head. Let me tell you, when spasms hurt worse than contractions, you have issues.  There the doctors found my blood pressure (BP) to be far too high at 240/120.  Even though I was in pain after a shot and flexeril, there was little reduction in my resting BP.  Basically, I could have 'stroked' out at any time.  The kind doctors there gave me meds, told me to rest, and make an appointment with my regular; which I did.

     This week's visit with Dr. Beasely was wonderful.  She actually listened to my concerns and complaints; asked tons of questions.  She told me I had a middle ear infection plus my BP was still too high at 180/110. The next thing she did was doubled my dose of BP meds, ordered a ten day dose of azithromycin, and put me a Symbyax which is a med for bi-polar disorder.  Let me tell you; this med has made a HUGE difference in my ability to function as a human being.  Just after four days on medications I am back to zooming around taking care of my menfolk and not over or under sleeping.

     This leaves me to wonder about all the other 'care-givers' out in the world.  How often do we put others first so much in our lives; we in effect forget to nuture ourselves? Let me tell you ladies and gentlemen.  Heart diease is the number one killer of people in the US.  Ya'll get your cholesterol and bp checked.  High blood pressure is a silent killer and gives little to no warning. 

For you homeschooling parents,

     Have you tried Reading Eggs grades K-3 or ages 4 through 7?  It has been such a sucess, the company is going to expand to other grade/age levels with ABC Reading Express. Also the site allows a trial offer of two weeks to try it free with no use of a credit card. Zephyr adores the online reading program.  He doesn't even realise he is working.  Homeschoolbuyerscoop is having a 25% off special for an annual subscription.  I will be writing more later about our choices this year in curriculum.

     So now,  will leave ya'll with a picture of Roux, going on 4 months at a hefty 5.8 lbs.  She is such a funny puppy, follows me everywhere, chases her own tail, loves to chew dirty socks (dog chewing gum?), and still falls asleep in the strangest of places.  As you can see, she is sleeping on my crossed legs, head down and body up. 

Take Care,
Mal

Little Boys & Puppies

These two go together like fries and ketchup doncha think?  Zephyr and Roux spend their days running from one end of the house to the other.  Roux is a mighty 3.5 lbs now, tackles toes which invade her territory, and barks at the ghosts in our home. (Well at least I don't see what she is looking at.)

She is still small enough to take naps in my desk drawer which, just cracks me up.

Now for our year in review; we no longer have goats or pigs.  What we did not sell or giveaway found their way into our deep freezer.  Yes, we eat goat ( to include only castrated or really young male kids).  It just was begining to cost more to keep them as pets than to be able to feed, breed, and sell the goats due to the constant hunt for quality hay, grasses, and supplement feed.  This was true of the pigs as well, no one wants to pay what it actually costs to raise a pig to maturity especially since we do not give our animals feed with antiboditics and other chemicals.  

We are still raising chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl.  With all the snakes about; keeping birds is the best way to warn of impending reptile visitors.  It never fails, if there are birds in your yard -- be it chickens or wild birds; they will let you know if there is a snake near.  All you have to do is watch the birds; if you see them swooping about one area in your yard, on a fence constantly moving and fussing then you have a snake near.  I have no idea other than the explanation of our dire drought as to why so many snakes in 2011 but, 2012 will be about the same with the La Nina weather pattern.  During spring to late summer, I was constantly finding a snake or two each week; luckily only a few were rattlesnakes.

Any gardening this year will be strictly container due to La Nina.  Our water well is all we have; we can not have a large garden.  Kinda sad but, just a country fact in deep, HAWTER THAN HADES Texas.

The boys and I are still homeschooling.  It was the best decision we ever made as a family.  We made the choice of working mostly from workbooks instead of buying from Sonlight this year.  The cost is the biggest factor but, also because Sonlight is a literature based program.  Saenz's dyslexia makes it tough for a reading based curriculum and I had to modify the lessons plans to better match his learning style.  Zephyr on the other hand is really taking to reading Dick and Jane books I found on eBay; I could not afford the originals but found reprints. 

It is funny, both our boys are learning mathematics at a faster pace. Since being at 3rd grade level in April 2010, Saenz is soaring with me into pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry.  Zephyr has been learning his times tables before learning to actually read as a first grader.  I make sure each of them understand the use of budgeting and definitely the power of couponing.  I think they learn math more quickly because I have a knack for numbers so I am a better teacher in mathematics.

This year has been economically tough on our older sons.  We sold Sid our farm truck for work since he needed it for his construction, plumbing job at Lackland AFB.  Junior on the other hand has just been having a tough decade with the break up of his marriage and becoming a single parent to Sarah.  His car basically died on him; with no way of getting to work without the kindess of others; we made the decision to give him my 31 year old Volvo.  I miss having a working vehicle but, that is what you do for family; you scarifice.

Lets see what else can I tell ya'll?  In November, we were surprised when my mom and dad, Jerry, (Stinky Toes) drove up our drive way towing my first vehicle, Bubba Junior behind them.  I bought Bubba a small Ford Ranger in 1995, can you believe it has less than 100K miles on it?  Well back in 2002, we were assigned to rotate overseas to Portugal; we dropped Bubba off at my mom's house and there Bubba sat.  It was quiet a shock to see my mom and dad; they only stayed long enough to see our home, drop off the truck, talk to the boys, and then said their goodbyes on their way back home in Alabama.  Again, that family scarifice; what a wonderful gift. Thanks Mom and Stinky Toes!

Now hubby, Saenz, and our other sons are working to get Little Bubba running again.  I think this is a wonderful way for Saenz to learn mechanics and eventually it will become his first vehicle.  LOL! Yes, I have a tendancy to hold on to things for a long time.  Heck, my livingroom television was purchased in 2000 and until it dies will continue to stay just where it is. Any way, that is basically it for our year; I haven't had the time to write as much as I had been. 

I miss all of ya'll and will be popping in to check on my cyber neighbors real soon!

Take care,

Mal

Okay, Have Ya'll Been Looking Taxes?

I know I have! I have been knee deep in reading on the IRS.gov and organizing our own reciepts.  No major changes so far this year (2011) though, I believe many changes will be implemented with killing some 'deductions' and 'credits' on individual family' tax bills in or after 2012.  Like the child tax credit will go away or be cut in half for those with children under 17.  I will let ya'll know if I find any major rehauls of the tax code as I discover them.

Who knows with the dragging of congressional feet in the attempts of getting President Obama kicked out of office.  It has been stated since he won the election in 2008 the WHOLE GOAL of Republicans was to make him a one term president. I find this incredible because our leaders were hired to work for their constituents.  Instead Republicans block all attempts Obama tries even if it was a Republican goal. 

Now this pisses in my cheerios because I have long voted for Republicans as a Libertarian minded person. I believe folks can stand on their own feet for the most part but, firmly support Social Security for those over 62.  I also believe in Medicaid for children, the aged, and those with disablities who can not work.  Sure there are those who need a hand up when losing a job  or some other event in the event of medical necessity but, it should not take 2 years to find a job.  I do not believe in permanent welfare for those 'choosing' to pump out children.  I also do not believe minimum wage is what the economy (the rest of us) should advocate tossing those on public assistance onto low paying jobs as a solution.

http://documentaryheaven.com/occupy-movie/
http://www.occupythemovie.net/

For my new friend Moonqueenfashions,  I have a book for you if interested.  It is called 'Nickel and Dimed,' by Barbara Ehrenreich just email me for details. 

I know of your displeasure of seeing folks whom you feel are gaming the system of entitlements or government hand outs. Personally, I too know of a couple of people who have used those gov programs to live without putting in a honest days work.  It chaps my arse too.  However, I have to let that angst go, press on, and teach my sons about the need to support themselves & plan for their future. 

For the 2 or 3 people who 'game' the system; I believe there are 100s who really want to work and do what is necessary to support themselves and family.  I also have a stinking suspicion that the deck is stacked to keep the general populace ignorant, quiet, out of touch with their leaders and too busy to notice the mayhem swirling over them.  Who has time in this busy world to question the non-sense spoon-fed by media outlets? 

Next point,

All I do know is, the squeaky wheel gets oiled first.  Those who are protesting in the Occupy movements have the right idea.  They are just demanding their government listen to them.  I do not agree with some of the ideals protestors espouse but, I do believe in their rights to assemble to get their voices heard without being violently peppered sprayed or deadly force used on unarmed citizens.  I have looked at my belief system and ideology; it is the soldier in me that will consistently defend those whom my inner voice says is weaker and needs support.

I am my brothers' keeper. 

This is what I teach my sons and will continue to do so.

To Answer Moonqueenfashions

Hello Gentle Readers,


I am hoping all is well after the Christmas holiday season.  We have been busy here and are now just getting back into our homeschool groove.  So this morning, I came to check in on those who I follow during our vacation.  To find a commentator who asked questions.  This to me is a blessing because she allows me to further explain my rationale.  Thanks Moonqueenfashions for allowing me to opportunity to reach a more diverse audience.

"Okay, so I do agree with most of your post. I have two questions. 1) Do you consider people who spend aggregiously without consideration of what they are doing not at fault for their own poverty (i.e. people who run up massive credit card debt on non-essentials, buy a house way bigger than they need in an area they really can't afford, have to have a new car, won't buy used or generic anything, etc)? 2) Were you really complaining about making almost $40k with free housing, $300 a month for food and free medical care..PLUS a second income? Those benefits, based on what I pay for a house payment, utilities and health insurance (alone I might add), would equal almost $14,000 a year. That's a low estimate as I live very frugally, have a low house payment and only pay for one person for medical care (i.e. the benefits you are actually receiving for a family in that area may total to even more than $14k). Which brings your salary to nearly $60k or over. Some career teachers don't make that and they have to have one or two college degrees depending on the state. I have two college degrees and would never make that at my current job without becoming management or working here for 15 to 20 years. So yah, consider the less fortunate indeed. My parents fed, clothed, and housed two kids and themselves on less than $25k a year and we always had a car, tv etc. It's all in how much you are willing to live smart with what you have. I'm not saying there aren't a lot of unforutnate people, particularly people who become poor through forced unemployment or long-term illness, but there are a lot more that think they deserve to live outside of their means. Just because people on the tube have fur and diamonds, drive fancy cars, etc doesn't mean we are suffering if we don't have that life. At some point people forgot about the basics of getting by and started worrying about keeping up with the Jones. by Moonqueenfashions."


Moonqueenfashions,


1. No Ma'am, I do believe in personally responsibility especially fiscal. I do know from the experience of buying our first home at the ripe age of 39, the process is set up to confuse / bind people who are not ‘educated’ properly in personal finance, budgeting, and legal terminology to fail on their mortgages. For example; when my husband and I set out to buy this house our own lenders told us we could afford a house over 300k or calculate the mortgage payment to equal roughly 35% of our current income -- this made my head spin.

This is just not feasible because there are many factors our lenders did not figure in: we were moving, I was retiring, Hubby was not going to be employed, the lack of jobs in our immediate area we had purchased in, the upkeep of a home, the repairs needed to be done in the home, the repairs needed on the property of our home, and transportation to work when we found a job.

See, this is where lenders do not properly counsel first time buyers; a mortgage should not be anymore than 20-25% of a families' income because of factors such as I mentioned. We bought our home as a foreclosure that had been on the market empty for five years.  Fortunately, I told the lenders to calculate our net income to less than third of what we were earning back in 2005 to get a more accurate picture of our financial ability to meet our obligations.  Also, I knew if all came to worse my retirement check would at least cover the mortgage, insurances, car payment, credit card bill (at the time), and electricity as our basics.  Plus I know how to shop, plan, and use coupons effectively for food. 

2. Secondly, I was not complaining about my salary; I was merely stating numbers. What folks do not realize is at the time, our daughter had suffered a stroke on her 13th birthday and we had accumulated some debt not covered by the military health system. We had to float some debts on a credit just to get through the process of moving her from a remote hospital from Portugal to Germany and then to Washington DC. Then we also had to cover expenses not paid by the military to move our family on such short notice. We were able to emergency housing on base because of our daughter’s medical needs and hubby found a job luckily six months after we relocated.

I am forever grateful to the US Air Force and the medical personnel because without them; she would have died. We were lucky to only be 15K give or take in debt by the time she was able to get stable enough to be in physical, educational rehab, and back to semi-normal. There would have been no way she would have survived in the civilian sector with our limited income because her medical care would have cost us millions with repeated surgeries, air ambulance, rehab, and like.


3. All I am saying is; folks are desperate out there. There are people who spend unwisely or on foolish things. Those folks will always exist because they were not taught better or frankly they don’t give a shit. The world is a different place than when your parents brought your family up and the opportunities are much different for the working poor – middle class. For example, student loans will be the next bubble to hurt the US economy and I am expecting this burst to come in 2012 or 13 just like the housing dive back in 2008 to now. There is no way students will do as well as their families’ did because of accrued debt from student loans. There was a time when education was affordable or nearly free and those days are almost over. Without a degree, job experience, and lots of luck many of those students will be paying on those loans until their death. Student loans are the one area that will follow a person to the grave with accrued interest just rolling over and over.


4. I came from the back ground of a single parent struggling to make ends meet in south California and she worked two jobs. I later helped her by turning over my own paycheck when I turned 15 -- yep I started early.  There were many times we had nearly bare cupboards. I am one of the fortunate ones who had a mother drill into me about not spending what you don’t have. Yet, she got into financial disarray over my sister’s medical bills by the time I left to be on my own. Because I had seen her worry; I made it a point to learn about budgeting once I joined the Air Force.

I currently do not own any diamonds or furs (it is way too hot for them here) but, I have multiple degrees which do not matter. Why do the degrees not matter? Simple, there are no jobs around here for 100 miles that pay more than $10 an hour and we have decided to use my talents to home school our sons. So, that is a win – win situation and outcome in my book.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to answer your questions. Mal

So how are ya'lls slices of heaven?

Some Things I Wanted to Pass On

Do ya'll love history?  I know I do and apparently have pass this love onto my oldest son.  The Travel Channel has a show I just absolutely adore that comes on Tuesday nights called 'OFF LIMITS.'  The host Don Wildman takes viewers into abandoned: buildings, weapons sites, rivers, manufacturing plants, government sites, and tells viewers about the historical contributions made to Americans from passed generations.  Last night, he took us to New York's Governors' Island, a ship grave yard, the biggest arm's dealer in the US, a military prison, and the island used to quarantine 1000s of people with small pox all in or near New York City.  In my opinion so worth the viewing.

New York's Episode slides here:
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Off_Limits/Photos/secrets-of-new-york-islands
or just the whole season to come here:
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Off_Limits
plus museum mysteries (haven't seen this one yet)
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Mysteries_At_The_Museum

Another thing I wanted to tell my readers about is a website called icivics.  I found this website looking for information to teach our boys about civics, economics, and budeting for personal use and discussions on the national level.  This is an excellent site for home school parents or those just needing to find information layed out in a manner that is easy to understand.  This week Saenz, Zephyr and I are going over our lessons in budeting and yes; I teach them about coupons and rebates -- very important in my way of thinking.  There are both teacher and student pages to print out or download for later use.  Excellent site, I hope ya'll enjoy.

We still have not gotten another pup.  It is so lonely outside without Banjo.  Seriously, I think I have been depressed since he was killed.  We do have the word out to find another pet for our family.  Have ya'll noticed that fall is here?  It is such a blessing not to be over 110 by noon.  The boys and I will be spending more time outside now that the Fire Ball has taken a break from our daily torture.  I hope all is going well in your slices of heaven...

BTW is it time to think about planting a fall garden yet? Thoughts anyone........

Reviews: Documentary and Books

This passed week; I have gone on a reading tear along with scooping up a documentary I plan to use when our boys get to the history of America's founding.

Slavery & The Making of America
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/slavery-making-of-america/

This series has four, one hour videos that taught me a few things I had never known about the start of slavery in the United States with the arrival of eleven men from different countries in the founding of the British colonies.  What I found extremely interesting was how those 11 eventually went on to become somewhat freed men as they bartered with the people that basically owned them. 


Another area I found interesting is our founding father Thomas Jefferson's stance of not allowing slaves to remain in the US.  This just blows my mind plus his relationship with the man (Jupiter) he own.  I just don't understand the hypocrisy of the whole notion of America advocating for 'equality' yet, using the lives of others to lift self up. 


Plus there was a video segment featuring one of my favorite authors from that time
by Harriet Jacobs, "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl."
http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Harriet_Jacobs/Incidents_in_the_Life_of_a_Slave_Girl/
This is the account of her life as a slave and the 7 years she spent in hiding in the roof of her mother's cabin.  Later, she moved out to the North East and met up with other women (feminists) who advocated for rights of others.  This book is also available for free on Amazon's kindle section.

This series is remarkable in the fact it showed how the Republican party was basically born and fought staunchly against bringing slaves into the political fold.  In the reconstruction era; this series explains the enactment of the 14th and 15th Admendments to include the tactics used by Republican party far back into the 1800s over the threat of losing their power and financial livelihood.  Seriously this is a great series and I will be watching it with my boys later on in the school year.

BOOKS:

I purchased some books last week so; I could use them to teach the boys about the horrible conditions in which some children grow up and are abused by parents or their society.  It is a hard fact of life not every child is brought forth in love, respect, or understanding.  I am highly recommending the following books and be warned some of the text is highly graphic in the language, concept, and visualization.

'STOLEN INNOCENCE: My Story Growing Up In a Polygamous, Becoming a Teenaged Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs' Sect by Elissa Wall and Lisa Pulitzer


'Little Prisoner: A Memoir,' by  Jane Elliot and Andrew Crofts,


'I Am Najood, Age 10 and Divorced,'  by Najood.


---------

Onto to home school news; we are slowly easing back into our daily lessons with primarily a focus on reading, spelling, math, and penmanship for Zephyr.  Saenz on the other hand is starting with "The Story of Us" and pre-Algebra with a smattering of science, literature, grammar, spelling, to include practice writting essays.


I am hoping all who pass here are enjoying their summer; personally I am praying for rain or even a tropical storm to come our way.  With temps hitting over 112 every afternoon; we need some relief from the blazing Fire Ball.


Thanks for stopping by,
Mal

Do Ya'll Talk To Your Children

About politics, politicians, economy, and national issues affecting your family? With the start of the new school year upon us; I have been explaining the three branches of the national government to our boys.  It is a very hard thing to explain to a child why Mommie and Daddy are really paying attention to the new hot topic about the economy, national budget, and unprofessional antics of our elected leaders.

I firmly remember growing up in Southern California during the national gas crisis.  I remember when K-Mart, Wal-mart, and Target was a dirty word and only those preceived to be poor  had to shop there.  I rightly remember grocery shopping with my single-parent mom; who could not fill her cart with anything other than: rice, beans, sugar, flour, pasta, Koolaide, white bread, hamburger meat, bologna, and no fresh produce other than bananas. 

I firmly believe as a parent the reason we as a country have gotten into the economic mess we are facing now is our leaders are still using a credit card to pay another bill.  Our economy while complex is quite simple; the United States has a spending problem. 

So this week, I have been having firm discussions with our boys about the necessity of living well within our means.  However, it will be a tough go for us because we really do not spend on frivalous things like: prepared foods, eating out, entertainment, vacations, clothing, games, or other luxury items.  We also depend on our government to honor my military retirement and healthcare.  My husband is a government employee facing the possibility of being cut from his job.  The rest of this year we as a family will be looking for more ways to stretch our already limited budget. 

I am going to have a hard time though explaining why Mr. Obama just held a birthday dinner in which the plates cost 35.8K when our family's meal was rice, carne guisada, and beans for less than $3 for the entire meal..... Just saying

Where Is God?

The reasons why I talk to our sons about my beliefs is to allow them a peek into what my character is, where I come from; and hopefully where I want to be in the future. Most of the time when it comes to ideals or beliefs; I let my sons work things out for themselves.  However, I do believe I must teach or guide them in their paths to become honorable men and in this I am a servant.  The other day we had an interesting conversation that kinda went like this:

Why do you stop to make sure others are okay on the side of the road?

Answer: 'Because I was taught you never know where Jesus or God is.  Perhaps he is testing my learning as a child by waiting to see if I will do as I was taught to help others in need.'

What happens if they want to rob or kill you?

'The way I see that scenario is perhaps; it is God's way of calling me home to be with Him while, I am following my gut to help.  Just maybe; he wants to see if I am afraid to follow or deny my beliefs.  Yes, it is possible I may die but, there is also a chance I may not get to another opportunity meet my maker.  If I ignore the 'call' or 'opportunity to serve,' will I hear his vioce again?

Now this line of reasoning and blind belief may be crazy to some.  Heck even my husband doesn't subscribe to my point of veiw.  Yet, I am a servant and will always be so.  I am here to help others or to teach; that is my calling and I accept this.  I not crazy enough though to allow strangers into my vehicle if I am alone or with our sons but, I always have a cell phone to offer.  Most of the time, these strangers just wave me on so; I just get peace of mind they will not be left stranded.  What I do want my sons to understand; you may be afraid of the wolf but, never stop being a person of faith and living. 

I leave ya'll with this quote:

"He who is not a good servant shall not be a good master."
Plato

Bigger In Texas; Happy Birthday

Can you believe this zucchini? Weighs a little over 2 lbs. 

 I used the $20 so, you can have a point of reference.  Hubby found this one tucked under leaves.  Just amazing.  So far we have eaten; raddishes, turnips, greens, onions, Greek oregano, zucchini, serranos, jalapenos, and yellow squash.

 Our corn is now over our heads, quite surprising with all the high winds we have this year.  We have to water nearly everyday to keep our garden up.  Our normal temp is around 100 sometimes; much higher counting the humidity.

 Our first apple fruit.  If you look you can see the wind burn on one curled leaf.  We are hoping as our fruit trees grow; they will toughen.  We were told that we could not grow apples nor, grapes here.  Well we have both so far.  Hubby and I don't mess much with our trees, plants, vines; other than feed and water.  We figure if it grows in the wild then it is meant to be here with us.

Do you see my Greek Oregano (Eleni) has a wide spread?  Hubby trimmed back 1/3rd of her branches and I dried the leaves for cooking later in the year.  It is crazy to know, a 0.5 ounce at a grocery store will cost a consumer $4 a bottle.  So my little investment in Eleni has paid off.  --- I got Eleni at WalMart for $1.77 and now look at her; soon she should flower for seed. :O) 

Our jalapenos are hotter than the serranos.  Crazy heat in these little fire bombs.  

We spoil our little country pooch, Banjo.  He gets bits and pieces of our meals.  This little six pound wonder is a macho small dog; who regularly chases wild critters off our yard in the night.  Here is he eating a slice of French toast; spoiled little monster he is!

This week has been a bit slower with the Memorial Day holiday.  To honor a vet; our family laid a wreath on Mr. Dennis's grave; Mrs. Lily we are so sorry for your loss.  We love you both.

Our son Sid's birthday is today.  Happy 25th, May you have a 100 more years in which is grow and explore the world.

For those who are following our homeschool progress.  We are using Sonlight for both boys this year.  And both love it; especially Saenz.  The stories included in this literature based program take him on adventures all over the world.  On the weekend; I just type up a daily checklist of assignments or milestones he needs to accomplish.  You will notice; I have not included physical or art education; we do those off line throughout the day.   For current events, Time magazine just happened to have an article about the political unrest in Sanaa; so we will learn more about Yemen and the African continent.

I type up this checklist because Saenz; has trouble keeping his binder orgainzed as well as, other materials needed.  This just works better for him over all because he can track his progress without the mess of multiple sheets of paper. 

Okay a short; 'Movies You Need to See:' 

 King's Speech,

Rabbit Hole,

127 Hours,

The Fighter. 

Don't forget this week on History Channel; there are special documentaries on the Civil War.  150 years since, we as a country have made lots of progress; the beauty of America is her flexibility to change as her people change. 

Think about this; when elections are in question; no soliders, para-military or mass mobs go on killing sprees.  America's strength is in her people's belief in our system; we know we things will eventually return to our norm; even after a disaster. The History Channel is running a donation campaign now; to save historical sites throughout the US.  You donate $1.50 and they will match it.

http://www.history.com/give150

Continue to grow and learn; we surely will be doing just that; in our slice of heaven.

Just a Happy Life, Who Needs More?

I am amazed at the strength, love, and joy I receive from just being with my men.  This week, Zephyr graduated from Kindergarten and has started his first grade school year. We did not have a formal ceremony since, I could not find the correct church in Beeville.  So instead, we picked up Zephyr's favorite --- cup cakes in his birth theme of Halloween. 

My husband has been taking care of all the outdoor chores this passed week.  My surgery was awesome and I can see at 20/20 for each eye.  Though I am taking extra care while my eyes are healing from lasik.  Hubby has been taking up all my outdoor chores; he did not want me to get anything in my eyes since, he had an infection after his lasik.  Let me tellyou; this man is always working even when he is at home.  He is a Mr. Fixit.  I just love him to pieces; the almost 15 years we have been together has flown.  He is my best friend. 

 Our Ladies Bug beetles are almost fully formed.  Strange critters these little wonders of nature.

 Today, we took the boys to the Lexington Musuem.  Both boys love anything and everything to do with the military.  So it was a treat for them to touch or sit inside exhibits.  We are hoping to foster their desire to learn in any method we can find.  For the next two years, we will be taking them back to the Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, and Zoo often.  I could tell each of them were quite happy to be here with us.  I love to walk behind them and watch from a distance. 

Little Brig Bird

Six men bunked inside an area the size of a modern closet.  

 They walked the plank.

They touched history. 

 They climbed and explored a new world.

 One of the eight book cases my hubby has built. 

This one is the latest, and hold 1 yr of curriculum for both boys. I am loving Sonlight especially the Instructor Guide, Read A-longs, and history materials.  Below is the pencil grip suggested by Jana that is working out well for both boys to learn a proper handwriting grip.

This weekend, when you are out enjoying the summer or grilling.  Take time out to remember all those who made our lives possible this Memorial Day.  The men and women of our Armed Forces, family members, civilians, and contractors; who support their mission. 

If not I leave you with this. God Bless

Momentous Thunderstorm Complete With Rain

I know all of ya'll have been following the floods in the Mississippi valley area.  I just can not imagine scope of  devastation of all that water.  Seems Mother Nature delivered not only record amounts of snow this passed winter and spring but as it melted; has joined with all the rain in the region.  All that water has to go somewhere; especially down hill/river.

http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Business/Contracting/COEoffices.htm

Here in my part of South Texas; we had not received any rain since the 14th of March.  This has caused our area to be in a drought situation and under a burn ban since mid Febuary. No joke, we have cracks in our property from lack of water.  This passed Thursday, we had answered prayers in the form of a lovely mid-morning of rain.  Let me tell you, it was such music to our ears -- we turned off all the lights and television to hear the sound being drummed on our metal roof.

One and one-half inches of beautiful life sustaining rain!  

Here is our latest observation of the natural world.  Lady Bug land, I had no idea their larva stage had them looking like alien alligators.  Soon, they will crawl to the top of the habitat and begin their pupa stage.

This weekend, Sid came down so he and his father could replace the leaking radiator in his car. Let me tell ya, those two men were cut from the same cloth.  It has been a blessing for my hubby to have some male bonding time this weekend. 

Well I have some grass to mow, thankfully.  I plan on visiting all I have been following this week since, I now have time to breathe and slow down. 

With the new school year starting on this Monday, I am excited to get our new curriculum under way so Saenz, Zephyr and I will stay busy this summer. 

What are ya'll going to do? Any summer vacation (holiday) plans?  My holiday plans are to have lasik eye surgery this Friday.  I am so excited at the prospect of not wearing glasses; I am fit to be tied. 

OH SPECIAL NOTE: Next Saturday, our Cubby Bear will be awarded his Kindergarten diploma.  We are so excited for him and his accomplishments. YEAH ZEPHYR!

Big Box Day Finds Us Happy

 Yesterday we received two large boxes from Sonlight Curriculum.  Saenz needs a brush up with Core F on world history and literature since I focused heavily on math, science, journaling, handwriting, reading, grammar, and research skills to get him firmly on the sixth grade level. Saenz will also be taking a 6/7th with Pre-Alegbra mix to get him up to level with his former classmates; a far cry from being at a middle third grade math level last April when we pulled him out of public school.  

Another note, Saenz will have to take a course in spelling skills; being a dyslexic with Irlens makes that skill extremely challanging.  While I know WORD does a spellcheck if he types out his assignments; he still needs to learn the basics just as well as Zephyr.

I did make the decision this year to hold off on adding a foreign language with Saenz until next year.  It is hard enough for him to read as it is in English so, instead I will be adding Spanish and Latin songs for him to get used to hearing (of course) this will help Zephyr as well.

Zephyr will be starting his first grade this week; reading finally kicked in for him; I was starting to worry by Febuary that I would not be able to start 1st grade on time. Just since March he has went from only recognizing 10 Dolch sight words to 140 just this week.  Huge steps for our little cubby bear; he is now happy to sit with a book and read to us or anyone who will listen.   Zephyr really soared this year in math, science, rote memorization, reasoning, and story telling; his Kindergarten graduation (cap and tassel) walk will take place on the 21st. 

I am happy to have my hubby supporting our efforts to raise our boys to be happy critical thinkers. 

Our boys were thrilled to see the books they will be using to study for the next 180 school days.  Since we school year around; we take breaks as needed.  That is a lovely thing about homeschooling your children; if child or parent needs a day off -- we take one.

Cubby is holding his math curriculum.  I know he will breeze through this because he is already begining to understand the concepts of fractions, money, and multiplication.  This set also came with a neat box set of manipulatives to help Zephyr by using visual and hands on learning tools.  

The boys are basically chomping at the bit for Saenz's lesson to get this project in which, they will learn how to make ink like in ancient China.  I believe this will be in week 26 so, they have a bit of a wait.  Another note, I guess there was a computer glitch with our order because the shipment was missing the first grade instructor guides, binder, and language arts manual.  Oh well, I have already sent Sonlight an email to inform them of the mix up.  All is good though because I can just whip out the math and continuing reading lessons with no worries.  

Okay ya'll do you see my blood shot eyes?  LOL That is not because I have been drinking.... Nope seems the entire property is covered in pollens: live oak and ragweed.  It has been a tough week on my head with all the stuff floating in the air.  All is good though in the garden so far we have: jalapeno, serrano, habanero, yellow squash, zucchini, onion, mustard greens, raddishes, maters, okra, Greek oregano, turnips, carrots, sweet & white taters, and corn is at the 3 foot mark.  So nice to have a garden....

I will leave ya'll with a Big Ole Texas sized!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

PS... Please pray for rain; we haven't had any since March.  Sorely needed here while up North; they are getting rained or flooded out.