My Chaotic Peace: Here is the list of links

Jen, As I said I would here is the compliation of links for resources I use to homeschool our boys.  It is funny to think just how much you inspired me.  Over a year ago, I was wrestling with the ideal or dream of home schooling Saenz and Zephyr.  I read your blog and journey through life and knew home schooling was going to be our path.  So with many thanks I have put together this list of links or internet places we use. 

http://pipes.yahoo.com/pipes/pipe.info?_id=6725af53063e87a7ab0ba036c9bc4c1f
http://www.khanacademy.org/ (love love love this site)
http://www.hslda.org/
http://www.homeschooldiner.com/subjects/main.html
http://www.mightybookjr.com/Catalog_A_F.php
http://www.kids-science-experiments.com/
http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/getting-started/syllabus-schedule/
http://www.learningpage.com/main/home.html
http://www.asm.org/index.php/education/classroom-activities.html
http://teachers.net/
http://homeschoolercafe.blogspot.com/
http://leading-learning.blogspot.com/
http://arlenkern74.blogspot.com/
http://homeschoolingintexas.blogspot.com/ (love Jana and have met her & family)
http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/
http://www.learningthings.com/blog/index.php/homeschool-curriculum-offers-great-benefits
http://www.guesthollow.com/blog.html
http://runofthemillfamily.blogspot.com/ (story of the world)
http://www.tanglewoodeducation.com/
http://store.doverpublications.com/index.html
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/index.htm

http://www.worldbook.com/encyclopedias/world_book_-_1_year_web_subscription/flypage.tpl.html/www.homeschooltracker.com/default.aspx

http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/teachingtools.html (Love Love Love this site…)
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_sp/1196247623?sp=62867&event=TNRP
http://www.queenhomeschool.com/index.html
http://www.engrade.com/
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Whatsnew.shtml
http://www.rain.org/homeschool/world-history-start-up.html
http://www.nestlearning.com/
http://www.childcareland.com/free.html
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/
http://www.homeschoolmedia.com/gems/contents.phtml
http://www.lessonpathways.com/Pathways/Detail/54523/homeschool-resource-links
http://web.wm.edu/hsi/
http://www.homeschool-articles.com/
http://www.lessonpathways.com/Home
http://www.mathcats.com/index.html#contents
http://www.early-years-homeschool.com/
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/index.cfm
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/default.asp?bhcd2=1270042053
http://www.ixl.com/membership/family/pricing
http://www.homeschooloasis.com/lab_science_book_pg.htm
http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/item7.cfm

http://onlineeducationforkids.com/
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/classroom/k-2/math/resources/
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/sci.htm
http://www.homeschoolingonashoestring.com/science.html
http://www.texashomeeducators.com/
http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/homeschool-id/
http://www.memorydynamics.com/school_products.html
http://budgethomeschool.com/
http://free.ed.gov/
http://www.tlsbooks.com/
http://www.suite101.com/


http://www.kidzone.ws/
http://www.learn2type.com/
http://www.homeschoolclassifieds.com/
http://www.homefires.com/free.asp
http://www.timthemathman.com/Quizzes/Multiplication_Quizzes/
http://www.aaaspell.com/
http://www.kiddyhouse.com/

http://www.handwritingworksheets.com/index.htm
 (blank or actual sheets to teach printing or cursive)

http://www.childrensbooksforever.com/childrenpages/mission.html
http://www.education.com/
http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm
http://wwwhttp//www.mhhe.com/biosci/ap/saladin2e/student/olc/esp.mhtml.sciencemuseum.org.uk/educators.aspx

http://www.einsteinmontessori.com/ems.php?category=faqs_about_dyslexia
http://www.homeeducationresources.com/FREE1.htm
http://wwhttp//www.microsoft.com/education/teachers/guides/freetools.aspx?WT.mc_id=freetools_pbsw.colormountain.com/

http://jmathworksheets.com/index.html
http://www.c-spanclassroom.org/Teacher-Opportunities.aspx
http://www.donnayoung.org/forms/planners/grade.htm
http://www.secularhomeschool.com/content/
http://www.knowledge-gallery.com/index.php

http://www.shodor.org/featured/DiseaseModel/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freeK12edu+%28Free+K-12+Education%29

http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/
http://educator.com/
http://www.time4learning.com/ (we are using this monthly service to supplement)
http://www.everythinghomeschooling.com/ (have subscription for lesson plans)
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page (free books)
http://www.weeklyreader.com/ (have subscription)

Currently, I am reading the The Well Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education plus a few other books to ensure I have left nothing out.  Home schooling is working out wonderful for us because of folks like Grumpy Gramps, Jana, Sobrina, Jen, Melodie, Tricia and others who are there when I have questions.

Thanks,
Talk to you later after our class; we are attending online a free seminar on lasers here: http://www.superchargedscience.com/
Mal

Twice Stabbed Lady Bug

Talk about a cool find; Cubby bear is modeling the lastest sign of spring's almost arrival.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-16_twicestabbed_ladybug.htm

Unfortunately, this little beauty is running about the house and I can not vacuum until I find it.  Zephyr is mortified by the thought of his friend being sucked up into a machine that will sufficate it.  So, needless to say we are looking for it.

Mrs. Lily came over today.  What a blessing she is because she took me into town to buy three weeks of feed since our farm truck may need a new transmission and only rolls in fourth gear.  We promptly gave her about 8 dozen eggs for her being so kind.  Wooo Hoo! You Rock Lady....

After this next artic front rolls through we will be planting some pear trees, shade trees and another apple.  Plus hubby has been prepping our latest garden bed along with building a turkey pen.  So this long weekend has found us all busy working together.  Let me tell ya'll it is so humid here today; I thought about turning on the a/c for a bit.  LOL But, just thought about it. 

Gotta go, Sears is here to replace the tub in my washing machine.  The liner had cracked talk about a wet mess.

See ya, and welcome new followers Jewels and Beautylicious.  I will stop by your blogs probably tomorrow once, I have Saenz and Zephyr settled into their school work.

Retro Chicken's Happy Valentine's Day

Man! I struck pay dirt today when I went to my mailbox.  Mrs. Shartey sent me two table cloths and a lovely vintage apron which I am going to use with my (new) vintage Coracle picnic travel case.  I was so excited a few weeks back when I told her about winning the auction for get this -- $9.99 not counting shipping.  I had to call her to tell her; hubby did not understand why I was so thrilled to have such a lovely piece of history.

This case was made in Merry Ole England long ago; I am guessing in the 30s or 40s. I have some cleaning up to do but, it will be a love chore to get is looking like it did originally.  If you like vintage or antique items she has a store on ebay and her userid is Shartey.  http://myworld.ebay.com/shartey  Anytime I am looking for something special; I know she is a wealth of information because she was a sucessful business woman who dealt in antiques before she retired.
THANKS MRS. Shartey!

I love both of them; she did a great job picking out colors that would match the case don't you think? Talk about a lovely Valentine's Day surprise.

Another gift in the mail today was this cd set from Grumpy Gramps.  We are so thrilled to know he is back home from a stay in the hospital.  This chicken momma was worried about him last week.  He is a truly amazing man and both my boys love him to pieces.  Thanks Mr. Larry!

I have started collecting some melmac dinnerware for everyday use in our home; not so scarey as breakables with a cast iron sink.  That rooster card is also from Mrs. Shartey.  I just love chickens of all breeds.  So far, I have to find about 8 more dinner plates and a few more bowls.  I just love these items and will show you more of my vintage pieces another time.  I like using these cups to whisk up a few eggs or cutting extra large bisquits. 

Here is one of our latest Cuckoo Maran chicks.  These came in two weeks early but, I took them anyway.  Each time I have wanted to get some of these 'chocolate egg' layers; they have sold out by time I have made it to Beeville.  We have a plethora of chicks and chickens now. So far our count is as following:

35 Ameraucanas hens

1 Delaware hen

9 red production hens

2 Delaware rooster

1 Ameraucana rooster

1 Red Brahma rooster banty

17 Guineas

15 Buff Orphintons

25 Amerucana chicks

9 silkies

19 Cuckoo Maran pullets, 1 cockrel

plus a few mixed chickens running about. LOL

I surely hope ya'll are enjoying your slice of heaven on this beautiful Valentines Day!

Love this Picture Wanted to Share a Smile

My friend Carol sent this picture.  I have no idea who to give credit for this picture but, thought it was uber worthy to share.  Is anyone else seeing signs of spring yet? I know it is just around the corner for it no longer gets dark before 6 p.m. and we have seen green sprouts, bees, and lots of birds.

Chuckling over this photo..... :O)

Special Package, Birthday Card, New Silkies

I am happy to report I can now washes dishes in the kitchen sink.  For entertainment purposes, I washed dishes in the upstairs bathroom since the water pipe froze in the kitchen area.  LOL It was funny but, a woman has to do what a woman has to do to keep some order in her home. 

Mail delivery today was special.  Saenz received a birthday card from Grumpy Gramps; he is making plans on how he is going to spend the check.  He said something about saving up for a crossbow.  (I think we are in trouble! LOL) And he has propped the card from Grumpy on his night stand. Thanks Grumpy Gramps!

I received my order from Texan and see my rainbow of Kid Coats?  Now I put the yellow one on Banjo and he took off outside to test it out.  It was pretty cool because I could find him in the yard.  I think he is vying for the red hot chili jacket. Any way, these are very well made and I would recommend them.  Thanks for such a lovely coats!

 Silkie (3 day old) chick standing next to an Ameraucana

 (3 weeks old).

Silkies have bluish flesh, ear lobes, and bones, five toes vice four, walnut combs, and originate from China.

http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/Silkie-Bantam-B100.aspx

Ameraucanas have, pea combs, bluish legs, bearded, red ear lobes and come from Chile.

http://www.ameraucana.org/history.html

How cool is that?

Ameraucanas will grow to be 5 pound birds at the most.  Most of our ladies wind up being around 4 lbs by time they come to point of lay.  I tend to favor this breed and Buff Orphingtons because they are docile, intelligent, excellent mothers, do well in Texas heat, and continuous layers.

Isn't this little silkie precious?  If you click on the photo you can see it has feathers on its feet.  I love 'booted' breeds too but, they need a place that allows them to keep their feet clean.  So each of the boys will have their own flock of five to take care of and learn how to breed them later. 

We have the shopping done for the week and have cleaned the brooders.   Next time the Ameraucanas need to be cleaned out; they will be moved outdoors to their own transitory coop.  By the end of this month, we will have a small flock of turkeys only six to start and another clutch of 20 Maran chicks to brood inside the house.

Also today, I need to replant my five cabbages.  I pulled them up and kept them alive in the house.  I hate the idea of loosing viable food. 

So what do you think?

Spring is around the corner or are we in for a much longer winter?

SPECIAL NOTE:  The guinea male's mate did not die, once she thawed out a bit --- off she went. (click on their photo on 'Baby Its Cold Outside' blog below.) They have not been near the coops since.  Poor things, I felt so bad for both of them yesterday. 

Been Surfing Over MD Creekmore's The Survivalist Blog

I have been blog surfing again by using the tag word ‘survivalist,’ and up pops this The Survivalist Blog; that I have found to be quite useful. At first I noticed all the sponsors on the right hand side of the blog but, don’t let this be off setting or make you click away. The ‘Emergency Seed Bank’ ad link offers information about the storage of seeds for future use, sweet deal. Then I got into the down and dirty of looking at MD Creekmore’s website and archives. His homestead is only two acres and he lives off the grid full time; can you believe that?


Now I know most of you are just scratching your heads wondering why I am looking at such information. Simple, I have two boys that absolutely love hunting, fishing, and being homeschooled. They loved the books in My Side of the Mountain trilogy so much; I went looking for a role model with similar skills as the main character found in those books. Basically I found a male similiar in character with the proper information and preparedness skills. MD Creekmore actually likes living in nature away from the bustle and din of modern living but, does so reasonably. So far this links has been my favorite:

http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/uncategorized/8-tips-optimize-time-prepping/
(I totally agree with using family time to accomplish more when prepping.)

http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/category/survival-gardening/
(many articles on gardening, food prep, and storage)

http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/survival-resources-2/
(every resource under the sun)

I fully understand living off the grid is not for everyone; especially those with mortgages and other numerous bills each month. However, learning how to grow food, hunt, and take care of oneself through say a lengthy power outage is crucial. Can you image say being in Los Angeles during a major earth quake or living well after a hurricane? MD Creekmore’s blog is a very worthy read, and does contain a little adult humor or language.


Click the title of this blog entry or the red letters to go to
The Survivalist Blog.

Enjoy,
Mal

Two Giveaways I am hoping to win. :O)

First is Texan's Goat Kid Coats.  I will probably wind up purchasing probably about a dozen of these adorable fleece coats she makes.  I believe the cut off for this giveaway is on the 31st of January.  So click on her name up there and it will take you to the giveaway instructions. She has many colors; I just love the egg plant purple but, I am not sure hubby will. LOL

The other giveaway is on Homestead Revival.  Amy is promoting a new seller who just starting selling the soaps she makes for her own son who has eczema.  Since both my boys suffer from allergies and eczema; I will probably being trying this hand made soap.  Same directions just click the link to take you to the instructions.  Or you can click on the pictures I have posted to the right column on my blog. 

Now for this morning's news.  Zephyr woke up with a slight fever this morning.  I hope it breaks soon because I wanted to go to the home schoolers meeting this evening.  Unfortunately unless he is better; we will have to stay home.  For one thing, I do not believe in taking sick children to events.  Secondly, I can not see well enough to drive at night.  Third, I just could not stand the idea of passing on a virus to anyone with a compromised immune system. 

So, we will see how the day goes, go check out the two giveaways.  Who knows maybe you will get lucky?

I Am Branching Out

Now you probably will not believe this but, I am a homebody.  Strange to believe eh?  I find that I can stay at my home with my boys for weeks on end without leaving the drive way with just a trip or two to the grocery store for staples.  Or major shopping trips for things like feed, stock piling, or dreaded clothes shopping.  I have basically been the same all my life --- been a latch key kid.  However, after a discussion with my husband; it is not fair to turn my son's into the same personality. 

We bought the Volvo so, I can branch out with the boys and meet other homeschooling families in our area.  I want to instill in my sons the wanderlust I felt in my twenties as a singleton.  The reason for this desire and change is quite simple. 

We took our sons out to eat the other night and I noticed something about Saenz; I had not before.  He got tense when more people showed up to have dinner at the same time as we did.  This is not a fair thing for my son to experience.  My husband has always said I love to be the center of attention but; it is more than that. I love people; love being in a crowd (watching folks), and thoroughly enjoy meeting people.  I love learning new things, seeing places, tasting new foods, traveling to hidden treasures of little towns, and just being alive in the world among others.  I did not learn this from my up bringing.  I learned this wonderful trait from being in the world alone and having no choice but to reach out and connect with others.

This coming week; our family will be attending our first homeschool family gathering.  We need to branch out and connect with others who have similiar interests.  We have a desire for our sons to learn how to show animals in FFA (Future Farmers of America).  Just today, Zephyr witnessed some Boy Scouts at a resturant in San Antonio and asked us if he too could be come a 'ranger.'  I firmly believe it is time for all of us to build a network in our local community.  Think about this.........

If our sons are happy in our home, being with folks in our community perhaps they too will want to raise their future families near us.  Sure I want each of our sons to experience the world, serve in the military, go away to college, get that job in the big city but more than that.  I want them to have a firm set of family roots to come back to --- kinda like migratory animals.  (Hope that makes sense.)

Our Soon To Be, Neutered Puppies

Well this morning, I called in the information for the Volvo to get it listed on our insurance.  Then off we went to drop off Banjo and Sonic for their operation at the vet. This means they can not get a wandering female pregnant.  Best thing to do for outside dogs is to get them neutered. There are far too many unwanted animals running about in the world.  This is the two having a conniption about being inside their cage on the ride. Hee hee, just look at those innocent faces!

Below is the birdhouse kit, Grumpy Gramps sent to Zephyr for Christmas.  Zephyr and his dad used the tools that were sent to build this bird house. I think Zephyr did a great job under his dad's watchful eye.

Thank you for a wonderful gift! 

 See the holes for hanging it up?  We still have to either paint this lovely or at least seal the wood due to extremes in our weather.

Yeppers, I am still sporting the MND bracelet in support of

My Brother Andrew get on over there to learn about Ms. Jan's cause.   

I bid ya'll adieu! :O)

Cooking, Cleaning, Just A Normal Life

It's been another busy week with the boys, their school work, critters,  planning a larger garden, Mrs. Lilly's visit, and of course baking. 


This week we had to call in Verizon repairman; our phone line went nuts and basically kept a busy signal on the line.  The phone line connection runs through the attic and we must have some really hungry Hippo Rats up there gnawing about again.  Instead of paying Verizon $95 the first hour and  then $45 for each additional 15 minutes PLUS --- supplies. 


Hubby will have to get up there to install new wiring, dang it.  Plus he will have to find the rats entry points and lock them out good it was the phone and not the electric wiring. (We hope and pray.)

This week's adventures in cooking has been the storage of eggs in the freezer. Just whisk three eggs, pour into a snack size bag, lay flat in a container freeze then put into storage.  I do this too with separated yolks and whites for later baking and is an easy way to build up a supply.   For whole eggs you can use large ice trays then transfer them into a freezer container.

Saenz calls this egg pie but, I learned how to make fritattas while serving in Europe.  Easy  to do, start by whisking six eggs, add a bit of chopped ham and veg like onion or broccoli with some cheese thrown to a pie shell pour eggs over and bake til set on 350. 

I got myself a treat this week and purchased 8 corningware ramekins plus a roasting pan and set on the adventure of making baked vanilla custard.  It must have been pretty darn good because, I did not get to even try it.  LOL I found the recipe on Mahalo.com

"• Step 2: How to Make Baked Custard


3 cups milk, heated
2 egg yolks
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
 Nutmeg, if desired

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Prepare some boiling water for adding to baking dish
Mix the egg yolks, eggs, vanilla, sugar and salt together in a mixing bowl.
Add the hot milk slowly, stirring constantly.
Divide custard among 8 buttered 4 oz. ramekins.
Place ramekins in a baking dish, add boiling water to halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Sprinkle custard with nutmeg.
Bake for about 45 minutes.
A knife inserted into the center of the custard should come out clean.
Serve warm or chilled"

I don't like to dirty my hands when busy prepping so I take a sandwich bag, turn it inside out, grab a pat of butter, buttered the ramekins, then turned the bag right side out with butter safely inside, seal bag, place in refridgerator for the next time.  Waaa laaa no stopping to clean your hands.

I did not use any salt but, I did sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top of the mixture just before baking for color.  Saenz likes the custard cold.  Zephyr says it tastes like egg nog basically meaning -- he doesn't like it.  So today's experiment had me trying the same recipe but, I substituted buttermilk instead or regular. 

Will let you know if it is a hit or not.  I am going to have to switch to cakes for a bit, I think the boys are getting tired of my pies. So tomorrow we will be making Angel Food cake. YEAH! One of my all time favorites to make from scratch.

I wanted to post this picture for Jan over at My Brother Andrew.  Tex here is too old and fragile to touch but, wanted to help spread the word about Fighting Progressive Bulbar Palsy (MND).  He allowed me to place one of the support bracelets on his still broad shoulders for a picture.  He asked me to remind all ya'll to help others by reaching out and making donations to the causes you care about. 


Squawk at ya later,
Mal

I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS

The begining of our Christmas season.  A fir tree my hubby picked out and it smells so lovely; I may just stay downstairs tonight to sleep on the couch beside it.

Cubby is supervising Daddy's work and

  fills the reservoir of the tree stand.

And I received two packages this afternoon.  The first one I opened was from FLARTOPIA.  I love this lady's blog and going there just makes me hungry as all get out.  For the last month, I have enjoyed reading her blogs about a kitten named Smokey they fostered but, her gardening and cooking posts are too yummy.  I happily gain about 5 pounds just reading her posts. This gift box was from a blog giveaway I won by answering a Can You Guess post. OMG! these herbs smelled just delightful, I plan on using them this week and may just buy a goose for the oven instead of a turkey.

My next treasure was from 'Over the Pond,' at My Brother Andrew blog.  Ms. Janet writes a beautiful blog about raising awareness for Progressive Bulbar Palsy, a motor neuron disease that her brother Andrew has.  She included a very kind and touching note which I intend to treasure for years to come. Thanks for your kind words Ms. Janet!

Ms. Janet is also the sister to Big John who writes Going Gently; I adore his blog as well. (Though John often accuses me of being crazier than a box of frogs -- I enjoy his humor just the same.) 

  I have been following all the updates from the sales wrist bands, donations, and events which have posted from around the world.  She is still raising monies to further the cause and you may find the wristbands on eBay using this item number:

'We are now selling MND wristbands on Ebay ! Andrew and Jayne spent most of yesterday sorting it all out-you can check it out , item no 220699576026.'

Today, our family will join her fight and awareness blog by posting this picture of the wrist bands on our Christmas tree.  

STAY WARM, ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

Sharing the Wealth, Okay Just Info

I have been reading Jane's blog for almost two years.  This morning I saw her post on Facebook about Taylor Swift's new album, 'SPEAK NOW' on MP3 being available at Amazon for under $4.  Sweet deal right?  While, awaiting that download, I noticed another album that was offered for free download called AMERICANA which has some really cool songs.  So I snapped that one up as well.  If you like saving money Ms. Jane alerts bloggers following her on Facebook, Twitter, or Blogspot about deals like the one she posted today about Bath and Body products that are on sale for half off or Similac infant formula being free or greatly reduced with the coupon she posted on her page.  We all are watching pennies, I just find she is a great help.  

Off to explore Amazon some more; I may just download some more freebies for my Kindle! YEAH

Hawt Flashing, Time Marches On

Man! I don't know about you ladies but, I am so not liking the peri-menopausal phase of my life.  I ____ (fill in the blank yourself) hate, deride, recoil, shudder at, abhor, repelled by, detest, loathe, resent, despise, scorn,  Hawt Flashes.

Good Grief, You know the kind of sweat where if you start; you have to cool down just to shower or else it just does no good.  I mean dang, some days I have to change clothes several times even if I am not outside in the Fire Ball Heat of South Texas.  

Then add to the HAWT FLASHES there is the snappiness that reminds me of a spoiled chihuahua in its momma human's arms.  ANNOYING, yet not really effective unless said retorts leave the lips of the hawt flashing woman or chihuahua gets loose from the one it is protecting.

Now on to something else.  Hubby's lasik went well; he can see better than 20/20 in one eye and had the other one done for reading.  Not bad, recovery was quick he drove us home from the doctors' office after a check up the following day.  Next year it will be my turn.  I am really stoked about the process. 

Let me tell ya, in the lobby there was televised laser operations going on as they happened.  YEP, I watched my own hubby's eyes get 'lazzed,' the top layer scored off and, then the rapid fire laser to reshaped his eye.  I was kinda wigged out and my own eyes were tearing in empathy to what I thought must be extremely painful but, not.  

This morning, I submitted the last form to get reimbursed from the FSAFEDS for his surgery.  I hate the process but, it is a godsend since we have 'paid' for the surgery in advance through the FSAFEDs Health Savings Account.  Next year, will be the first time since I was a elementary school kid without coke bottle glasses.  So, I am super stoked.

Any way, what have ya'll been doing? 

I would recommend you head over to Gregs at Pitt Rehab blog.  He gently reminds me everyday; no matter what is going on in my world.  Life is worth living and to suck the marrow out with ones teeth.  He recently went bow hunting and bagged two deer in one trip.  Now, why is that amazing???????

You will have to go check it out for yourself.  Greg is a super human being in my estimation.

Hope your slices of heaven is as beautiful as ours.

I AM A WINNER!

I am so lucky and won this gift pack from Flartus.  I love her blog; just looking at the pictures make me so hungry I am fortunate not to have shorted out my keyboard from drooling.

If you want to see some of the goodies I have won just -- sautee your buns right over to her place at:

Flartus

Does Nekkid Chicken Happy Dance and Punts Breakfast out to the universe!

~:>
WHOOP WHOOP!

Some Cool Homeschool Info

This is the weblink I found with an excellent PDF on Plant Reproduction.   This one particular PDF file is perfect for my classroom since, I can cut it down into several lessons appropriate to a 6th grader and Kindergartner.  When Ms. Sharon discussed not really understanding the process for 'cuttings' off her muscadine vines, I went searching so we could later do this in the classroom. 

Otherwise, I would like to welcome new follower Jana C, she has a blog I have been reading about her homeschooling process at Homeschooling a Texas Tornado.  The reason I stopped on her blog to begin with is her title.  We have called Saenz the Texas Tornado (Dedo) since birth.  As a matter of fact we call Zephyr the Maryland Mauler (Cubby). LOL 

I personally know of no hispanic child without a family pet name. Which sounds like an interesting study for cultural differences or similiarities. :O)

I have more sites I will add later.  We are trudging through a lesson  on 'averaging and percents.' I just love review. Enjoy, our lunch break is over.

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 ~;>

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