Confessions of a Daydream Believer

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

2012-02-01T09:41:00.002-05:00

February how I love thee....not because of the Hallmark based holiday smack dab in the middle of it I am thinking more of

Tax Return

End of the Year Bonus

Literary Pay Outs

Some see Red

I see Green

Before you start thinking

"All she cares about it money?"

First we do the "grown-up" thing with it and pay off chunks of my car, pay off any bills that we may have ie hospital, doctors, etc. and then what ever is left over we are going to do some fabulous remodeling of our home. Yay!

Now that our shady neighbors are shipping out we have decided to stay, mainly because I am cheap, not frugal, cheap and I don't want to pay to move, blech!

We are going to move the school room, completely re-do it, move Phil's office to where the school room is and out of our bedroom, paint, purchase new lighting, well let me show you what I'm loving and from where I'm loving it.

I see an Ikea field trip in my future;-)

A few of my favorites for the school room and for the dinning room.

Needless to say I have quite the list!

I am loving this book! The 20's are my era:-)

Pinterest Love

What are you loving today?

Sass in the Suburbs - Curriculum Style

2012-01-31T09:52:00.002-05:00

*I'm not an expert but I play one of TV*

Here it is Tuesday once again, last Tuesday of January and I have a great homeschool question, one that us teachers love....curriculum. I salivate at the thought of catalogs, new products, conventions, oh my, I feel dizzy!

Andrea,

What are your favorite curriculum's you have used or currently using?

Debbie, WA

When I first started I stuck with what Logan was using at his private school before we had relocated in to the Twilight Zone. They used Saxon Math, Abeka (we lived in Pensacola and they are based there sooooooo....) and they used various computer programs.

I bought the Second Grade Abeka kit and Time4Learning.

I quickly discovered that purchasing the entire Abeka kit was not needed as we did not use a large percentage of the reading materials. As time has gone on we have discovered that workbooks aren't our forte so we use quite a few online programs with limited workbook use.

BrainPop is Logan's favorite! It is a fun and unique supplement filled with hilarious videos and detailed worksheets.

We just began using Thinkwell Homeschool for math and so far, so good. Locating the proper math program has been my Kryptonite. Khan Academy is a fabulous resource for ummmm well, pretty much anything under the sun ha!

As Logan has gotten older we have become more Eclectic homeschoolers and pull from different educational resources such as the History channel who has an entire area for the classroom such as videos, worksheets and project ideas.

So my homeschool peeps, what are your favorite curriculum's or websites you use?

Should Have Known

2012-01-30T10:09:00.003-05:00

When Logan was a baby I was a full time working mama, I introduced him into the daycare world at roughly 6 weeks (end of maternity leave) and from that time until he was about 3 it was a child care battle. In that time I did decide to become a Lead Teacher for Preschoolers at a local church who also had childcare, perfect set up. When Logan needed me I could be there, I could feed him while the children were napping and his daycare was free *bonus*. I absolutely adored my class and their little minds that soaked up everything. I implemented one on one teaching time, star charts and a ton of hands on activities. At the end of each week the children would bring home their star charts with a note from me and their progress. The parents were over the moon with the new changes!

Due to Logan's illnesses he did not start walking until he was 2 years 2 weeks old but that child was on the ball when it came to learning him numbers, ABC's, shapes, etc. When people would say

"Oh, he doesn't walk yet? Mine walked when she/he was 6 months old."

My inner snarky dialogue would be

"Oh yeah well why don't you have them walk on over to my frig and get me a soda while singing their ABC's? No, okay then zip it!"

Fast forward to my breaking moment of daycare's and not just daycare facilities but home daycare's as well. I had good and bad experiences with both but I had had enough! There was such a lack of patience, education and love. Just because they are two years old doesn't mean you can't have fun learning time.

We had just bought our house and I decided to do daycare at home. I already had the proper credentials, I had friends that were already doing home daycare and we did our continuing education classes together and supported one another.

I kept the kid count low, I had three full time and one part time, ages 1 1/2 years to 4 years and it was Fabulous!

Where am I going with this?

I should have seen my homeschool future ha!

My fondest times were the one on one education I was giving to my preschoolers and when I did home daycare.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Also I am not real big on authority, I like being my own person, my own boss. I've had my own business before and I LOVED it! Just like home daycare, being self-employed is my cup of tea. I guess I'm not too surprised that I decided to homeschool my child. It is an amazing adventure! I want to teach my child about life not about what is going to be on a test at the end of the year.

If 31 year old Andrea could travel back to 21 year old Andrea she would say

"You are doing the right thing, you are doing what is best for your family, it will hard but you will make it and you will be stronger for it and don't punch that teacher when Logan is in that horrific public school even though you really want to."

If there was anything I could take back it would be that. Never putting my child through such a psychological traumatic experience. I firmly believe we are not always wanting to listen to God (us, stubborn?) and God will be like

"Really? You need that harsh but loving shove don't you?"

I call it a Love Tap;-)

Each shove was for my child, in those moments when I doubted my strength and when they came I had to make those decisions that I was so hesitant on and in the end it worked out swimmingly.

I have truly put my trust in God, I know He will place us where we need to be. In my heart I know He was trying to get my attention some time ago but I was stubborn *gasp* Me? Stubborn? I am not a fan of earthly authority but I am of The Authority and I listen even though my inherent rebel child wants to emerge with a pout and stomp of the foot. I know if I don't the "Love Tap" is coming;-)

I know once Logan is grown and graduated I will continue in the educational realm, it's what I love but that is someday and right now I am living for today and having an exciting time teaching my own kiddo.

The world is our classroom!

Have you ever had or needed that shove?

Have you had that moment of Oh Duh? That so makes sense!

Shout Out Sunday!

2012-01-29T11:14:00.000-05:00

Today's Shout Out goes to my Grandma Johnson in South Dakota!

Dad: Your grandmother knows more about you then I do.

Me: Why is that?

Dad: She reads your blog everyday, she was telling me a story about Logan and I asked how she knew this and her reply was I read Andrea's blog everyday.

*laughing*

Me: Well, she can't help that she is more technologically advanced than you.

I believe my dad rebuffed my statement with a sarcastic undertone;-)

Love you Grandma and tell Grandpa HI and We Love Him!!!!

Just Sayin' Saturday

2012-01-28T10:25:00.001-05:00

Yes, my face says it all

It was one of "those" days yesterday.

When the word

Seriously?!?!

flashed in my head numerous times throughout the day.

And

Are you for real?!?!

As my husband says

"You are having an emotional reaction."

Why yes, yes I am which is a nicer way of saying I want to slap you upside your noggin.

Life is hard, that's a given but when your marriage gets too hard do you throw up your hands and say

"I quit! It's too hard!"

For some yes, their circumstances were different, verbal, physical and mental abuse are a deal breakers for me. But when it comes to your children do you throw up your hands and say

"I quit! It's too hard!"

No, you don't, you may divorce your spouse but never your children.

When Logan has a tough quirk day (as we call them) and the tears are flowing and I want to just curl up in to a ball and hide in the closet I never once thought

"I quit, this is too hard!"

I never want Logan to ever have that mentality so I would never impose that on him. In the darkest of times there is light, there is hope and there is faith. Quitting is not an option, I put my big girl panties on and face it head on with strength in my heart and conviction in my step.

This is who I strive to be daily.

The synonym for quit is abandon and that word is powerful and reverberates through the soul with anguish. We can not abandon our children, our responsibilities, our faithfulness.

Just sayin'......

Where's Grandma?

2012-01-27T13:38:00.000-05:00

I've been known to laugh at inappropriate things at inappropriate times and this story isn't any different.

Now, when you read this headline

Grandmother's body stored in Clearwater storage unit since 1995

Yes, you read that correctly (I swear only in Florida)

CLEARWATER --

The body of a Clearwater grandmother has been taken from a storage unit where the family supposedly stored her body in a coffin since 1995.

According to Clearwater Police spokesperson Joelle Castelli, the department received reports of the body found in a unit at U-Store Self Storage located at 1217 Lakeview Road in Clearwater.

The family rented multiple units from the storage facility since 1985, but recently fell on hard times and had trouble making rent.

"They've been a few months behind on their rent lately and the company did the proper things to say, hey, we're getting ready to clear out your storage unit. We're going to put it up for auction," Castelli said.

When the facility moved to evict the family from their units, the woman under control of the units told facility officials they couldn't evict the family because her grandmother was stored in a coffin in one of the units.

According to the granddaughter, her mother told her on her death bed that she stored her own mother in the unit in 1995.

Facility officials contacted Clearwater Police officials and officers responded to investigate the woman's claim. When officers opened the coffin, skeletal remains of a human body were in the coffin.

Officers are now investigating the family's two other units to make sure the woman's mother who recently died isn't also stored in one of the units.

"We have a death certificate for both mom and grandma and we're trying to verify that mom was buried appropriately," Castelli said. "They have three units in this storage [facility] and we are opening the others and going through them."

The woman who alerted officials to the body has not been arrested and charged with a crime at this time, but CPD officials said she could face charges of improper disposal of a body.

What made this story even more hilarious is that my mother runs a storage company and well, I had to call her and ask

"Did you find a grandma today?"

Her awesome response

"No but the day is young."

Didn't anyone in that family wonder "Where's Grandma?" I mean, after the funeral no one noticed where she was? Everyone was chowing down their funeral meat sandwiches and drinking juice so all was good?

Were the plots too expensive?

And how did that conversation even begin. So grandma dies and the daughter and Uncle Joe are sitting at the kitchen table wondering where to put grandma

AH-HA! I got it!

Storage Unit!

Seriously?

Uncle Joe said "Cousin Dan has a Roto-Rooter van."

And that casket looks homemade, family arts and crafts?

Just the visual of these people driving to the storage unit and unloading granny in the storage unit next to boxes of worn out clothes and little Johnny's baseball trophies from the 60's is hysterical.

And how I wish I could have been a fly on the wall when the storage unit person called the family and said we are auctioning off your goods and the response is

"Don't auction off grandma!"

I think I would look for a new job after that. Because if you read the mother recently died so is she residing in unit B37?

Maybe storage units are the new mausoleums. I mean some are air conditioned, you could bring in a couch, shake up a cocktail, the possibilities are endless. Since my mother runs a storage company maybe she can hook us up with some family discount.

This is why I love Florida, if you ever watch wackado shows on T.V. you know the majority of those stories come out of Florida. You just can't make this stuff up!

At least now you know their is an alternative, cemeteries can be so stuffy and crowded.

Yes my friends I could go on and on...it's just too eccentrically fabulous!

Where I'm At

2012-01-27T10:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday my Bloggy Peeps!

I am over at

http://www.lynsrandomthoughts.com/

today!

A little politics banter with your coffee;-)

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

2012-01-25T15:36:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know, I missed out last Wednesday compliments of that crazy SOAP/PIPA ordeal, I went quiet for that day. But with a (for now) victory our rights are staying intact.

I guess this will be more of a double loving Wednesday.....

LOVING that the sheriff's department delivered a fancy dancy eviction notice to our next door neighbors today. I almost trotted to the police lady wanting to share an embrace but I passed, I was thinking she needed some chocolate, maybe a truffle box? Too much?

Timothy Olyphant has returned in all his marvelous cowboy hat wearing glory! He makes the backwoods look good;-)

Junebug wine....need I say more when the word wine is involved.

Father identifies son on viral beating video, notifies police

Love this newspaper heading! Have you heard about this father who did the RIGHT thing and is TEACHING his son a lesson?

CHICAGO - The father of a Chicago teenager involved in the beating of another boy, has turned the boy into police.

Raymond Palomino was identified by his father in a video of a group of boys beating another boy that went viral on YouTube.

The boy can be seen stomping, punching and slamming another boy to the ground in what appears to be seven boys ganging up on one. The other teenagers suspected in the beating were wearing face masks disguising their identity.

"I had to call. I did what was right as a parent. I am in law enforcement myself. The right thing was to turn him in," said Michael Palomino.

Palomino faces charges as an adult and is in jail on $100,000 bail. His father says he does not have the money to bail him out.

News10/KXTV

How refreshing to have a parent be a PARENT and not make excuses for his child's bad behavior. What a concept!

I am loving my beautiful friend Missy who is adopting two sweet children from Ethiopia. Please keep them in their prayers as they enter the final stages of the adoption and then they can come home!

http://www.roepnack.blogspot.com/

Here is her blog to follow their journey.

I don't love Valentine's Day but I love all the chocolate.

Time for Pinterest Love....

Who doesn't love a little piggy in rain boots?

What a bummer!

You know that song is stuck in your head now ha!

What are you loving today?

Mama Q & A

2012-01-24T11:38:00.000-05:00

*I'm not an expert but I play one of TV*

Are you wondering

"What the heck is she talking about?"

I have to admit, for the past couple of years I've led a double life, okay, not really but doesn't it sound intriguing?

I receive a handful of questions via email or message in regards to homeschooling, Autism, IEP's, public school vs private school, parenting, you get the picture. Since beginning our homeschool journey I have placed myself on many communities ie The Homeschool Lounge as time when on I ventured to Bloggy Moms and a few others.

I did this to A. Connect with others for support and B. Begin laying my book publication foundation.

Last week one of my dear friends asked

"Why don't you post your advice in response to those questions?"

I guess I never really thought about, Dear Abby had to start some where I guess.

"You are like Carrie Bradshaw but less sex and well city, how about Sass in the Suburbs."

HA! Love it!

My creative began spiraling so we are going to start today, more of a test. My fabulous bloggy peeps and can drop some knowledge on whomever is seeking advice as well. Every Tuesday I will present the question, so let's start with my most recent inquiry.

Q. I decided to start homeschooling my 7 year old daughter but the school she was attending is giving me a hard time about releasing her records. I filled out the proper paperwork but it has been over a month now and at first they blamed it on the new year but it is almost February. What can I do?

-Monica

A. I had the same run around with the public school that Logan had attended. Each time I would phone them they were rude and short with me. They were taking it personal that I was choosing to homeschool my child. The route I went was going through an umbrella school. Since homeschooling was so new to me I felt more protected that way. Once I gave the school the release forms they felt the need to drag their feet. The umbrella school administrator also began contacting the public school to find out what the hold up was. After a few fun legal terms to the school they did release the information.

The bottom line is this, once you complete the necessary paperwork they can not hold your child's records hostage. Whether you are going through an umbrella school or through the district they have to turn over the records.

Every school is different, I know people who never had an issue and in fact encouraged their decision to homeschool but there will always be a few out there who want to make it difficult. Be persistent and depending on what state you reside in, know your homeschooling rights. The most informative site is HSLDA which will show you everything from legislation to laws. Also, there are a plethora of online sites to guide you, such as The Homeschool Lounge where you can connect with those in your state (one of my favorite sites).

Some school districts have been known to bully homeschool families, I actually know of one in Florida and what they were doing was against the law. Always remember you have rights and if you are following the appropriate protocol then they can not harass you and not release her records.

Once I quoted the laws to the school office magically the information was sent to the umbrella school. You don't need to do it in a nasty way, just firm and confident. You are doing what is best for your family, it is your decision, not theirs.

-Andrea

Alright my homeschool peeps, has this happened to you?

If you have a question you would like some advice on drop me an email

andrea5980(at)gmail(dot)com

message me on facebook or look me up on my various communities which are listed on the side of my blog.

And don't worry, if you want to remain anonymous I am totally down with that. I will only put those up who give me permission.

Have the Best Day Ever!

~ Logan

Behind the Gates: Don't Let the Gate Hit You on the Way Out

2012-01-23T10:07:00.004-05:00

As you know I live in a gated community that house many amusing characters however these neighbors I will be doing cart wheels in the street when their moving van pulls away. Yes, our next door neighbors were served a 21 day eviction today so that places their final departure day right before Valentine's Day! Best present ever!

I *heart* that you are outta here!

Peace Out Homeslice!

Our neighborhood is elated that these unsavory people are getting their walking papers.

I know that I won't miss their dogs defecating in my yard on a daily basis, or the skeevy shirtless white boy who distributes illegal narcotics to high school students who by the way their license plate was turned in to the local law enforcement, hope that weed was worth it you 16 year old CHILDREN, or the male who suspiciously died in the house last October and my son is still completely creeped out about, or the simple fact that you have two elementary children who live in that environment, NO mother of year award for you.

Our neighbors came together and said

"Why should we have to move when they are the problem?"

So we became the neighbors from the black lagoon and the landlord finally ~~caved~~ agreed when I stated to her in regards to her property

"Well, if you want the SWAT to do a drug raid that is fine by me, when they shatter windows and break doors down they won't pay for that, and do you really want that to take place while two innocent children are being brought up in that environment, I am pretty sure Child Protective Services is not going to like that since it is documented that you were aware of the going ons."

BAM!

21 day eviction notice!

I'm quite persuasive! Or threatening as my husband said, actually he called me a Vigilante ha!

Oh, are you wondering how I had the landlords contact information, well, let's just say I'm quite the PI on the side;-)

Of course now we are re-thinking the whole moving thing because well, I despise moving, packing, reconnecting utilities, unpacking, deposits.....blech! We have plenty of time to decide. Once they move out our neighborhood is still highly entertaining but in a "pull up a chair with a bowl of popcorn" kind of way.

And then what will I blog about?

I was asked if I would help clean the home after they vacate and my reaction could have been a bit harsh

"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Yeah for $50 per hour and a free Hazmat suit!"

In a serious tone

"We could work that out."

NOW that would be a blog post!

Have you ever had those kind of neighbors that make you want to get a Tetanus shot?

Find My Happy Place

2012-01-21T10:14:00.001-05:00

When I received this email

Official Announcement: Picnik is closing

Take heed! The ants have invaded. Picnik will be closing April 19, 2012.

I felt the need to curl up in to the fetal position, rock back and forth and recite

"Find my happy place, find my happy place...."

Once the shock wore off I said

"Seriously Picnik?"

Since joining Google in 2010, we have been creating editing magic in Google products while continuing to keep Picnik awesome. But now we get to focus on even awesomer things. Picnik will be closing on April 19, 2012.

Thanks Google, you're a real doll!

*insert sassy eye roll*

Google would like people to skip on over to Google+ and use the "Creative Kit" aka Picnik effects. Well, your ploy isn't going to work on me, I will not be skipping, frolicking, or meandering over to Google+ though thank you for the refund and free entry until April 19th when Picnik dissolves into the Google+ abyss.

At least I have time to find a new editing program, of course Photoshop is screaming out at me. I will miss the blooming blossoms and painting skies...curse you ants!

Any photo editing suggestions?

Socialize This

2012-01-20T15:02:00.000-05:00

This is what homeschoolers do when they aren't being schooled, they watch videos about homeschooling....yup, that's how we roll!

You wonder what they are watching?

Messy Mondays ie 7 Lies About Homeschoolers (featured two posts ago)

Also they were watching

We're fans...check them out:-)

As you can plainly see our children are not only, dare I say it, socializing but they were partaking in debate, strategic thinking, home economics and gym class so yes lady at Publix he schooled today;-)

Oh and on a side note I would like to give "You're an Absolute Idiot" shout out to

Dr. Fred R. Volkmar, director of the Child Study Center at the Yale School of Medicine

For his "nip it in the bud" mentality in regards to Autism. I am not EVEN going to post the article from the New York Times because it infuriates me and makes me want to drive to where ever he is and slap the stupid out of him and anyone else who thinks this "new definition of Autism" is a good thing because obviously they do not have loved ones who need assistance, therapies or medications.

Gee, thanks for curing my son *sarcastic undertone*

Ok then, bouncing of my soapbox and onto the treadmill!

Until next time.....

Sharing Means Caring

2012-01-19T10:03:00.002-05:00

When I say that there is never a dull moment in my house, I truly 100% mean that. You would think with just the 3 1/2 of us it would be some what calm but Nooooooooo!

My dog was having a perpetual ummmmm how do I put this, his prolonged "happiness" was interfering with his potty time and I had to call the vet and explain this to them. I am quite confident when they put me on hold they were laughing hysterically. When she came back on she instructed me to do a sugar wrap, instantly I envision paper macheing my dogs stuff and belted out

"Yuck!"

However, she instructed me to a mixture of sugar water on a spoon and hold it there for a couple of minutes (because this is better than my initial thought?), wait ten and it should be back in it's proper unhappy place.

After doing what I was told to do, ~~molest my dog,~~ I IMMEDIATELY threw that spoon away! No number of dishwashing loads could erase that memory of what was on that spoon. The vet wanted me to call her back and give her an update because if that sugar wrap didn't work she had another trick up her veterinarian sleeve so I did just that and also shared with her that I threw the spoon away and need to not only take some cognizance medication but I'm pretty sure Bear will need a Xanax as well.

After sharing this story with my sick minded peeps one asks

"Do you think they do that to men who go to the hospital after downing some Viagra?"

Well, now I'm curious.....

Of course after that I kept hearing Logan yell

"Bear! Stop licking your pee pee!"

There was some left over sugar and I decided to just leave it there, we had enough trauma for the day.

Needless to say we didn't get too much school done.

Have I told you the story about when my grandmother felt the need to tell about her loose fitting under garments?

Oh my friends, that is for another day.

My metal state can only allow so many disturbing instances in one sitting;-)

*I apologize if you need some "special" coffee after reading this*

Do You Have School Today?

2012-01-17T13:38:00.002-05:00

I get asked that question almost daily!

At the grocery store, barber, restaurants, mall, the list goes on.

When Logan gets his haircut the hairdresser will ask

"Didn't you have school today?"

Now, I would like to say

"Well, I decided to pull him out of school, drive him here just so he could get a hair cut, drive him back to school and then go sit in the pick up line for two hours, yay my kind of Tuesday."

But Logan will chime in

"I'm homeschooled."

Response

"Ohhhh okay."

Messy Mondays: Seven Lies about Homeschoolers

This video is fabulous and very true!

I am well aware that some in my family perceive homeschool (and a chunk of society) as this:

Logan is a friendless, pale little kid who never see's daylight, does school work locked in a dark closet with no social interaction or extra curricular activities. Oh how does Logan survive? I am not a teacher but a homeschool dungeon keeper.

I assure you, though fair in complexion, he does see the sun, he has peeps, he plays soccer and swims, he does his school work from the office aka school room, living room or even out on the patio, he does daily devotions but he's not telling his next door neighbors who attend public school that they will burn in hell, he eats more than a crust of bread, he makes his own food. He learns about Positive Role Models ie Jesus, Tim Tebow, Joel Osteen; he knows more about Albert Einstein and Abraham Lincoln than Justin Beaver, Diver, Biever whatever.

Of course, just like any tween/teen he has the occasional fresh mouth and sassy attitude, he does get privileges taken away and allowance cut.

You are correct, there isn't any popularity contests or keeping up with the Joneses attitudes, not amongst our circle of friends. We respect and support one another, the kids don't smack, swear or belittle each other.

AND

I am thrilled or you may see it as sheltered that my child doesn't know the inappropriate dialogue regarding sex or drugs. And I plan on keeping it that way for as long as I can. I have heard quite the conversations between children at the park or fast food places about those two topics. He knows drugs are terrible and criminal and though he may know the health and science aspect of human anatomy, he also knows from a honorable stand point to wait until marriage.

The world is our classroom, how awesome is that?

In case you were wondering

we schooled today;-)

My Son, My Hero

2012-01-16T09:38:00.000-05:00

I started writing Logan's story some time ago but he asked me to stop because he wanted to write it, so I stopped. My son is privy to the ignorance some have in regards to not only Autism but Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome and many other Special Needs and Learning Disabilities.

When he talks about his short stint in the public school system my stomach twists and turns, the pain and anxiety he endured. Even though it has been three years it still remains fresh in Logan's mind, with me as well.

Logan came to me and said

"Mom, I am ready to write my story but I want us to do it together. I want kids to know being different is awesome!"

*tissue please*

I am beaming with delight.

When we were at the beach on Friday we would watch Logan flap his hands in flurry, I swear I thought his feet were going to leave the earth. His soul lies in that powder white sand and in each crashing wave.

This has always been his mental retreat. When he is having a bad day that is filled with tears and is biting his hand the ocean sweeps it all away in it's healing tides.

I am extremely blessed to have this admirable creature in my life. My side of his story is such a minuet part, only he knows what he was feeling and experiencing. Even in the most distressed days he still says

"It's the best day ever!"

So together we will write Logan's Story and if we touched just one person then we have succeeded.

I write to educate others, to enlighten others, to bring awareness.

I write for those who haven't been heard.

For those who have been bullied and criticized.

Who have been told "You can't do it!"

For those who Have, who Can and who Will!

I write for my son.

He's my inspiration, my laughter and above all, my Hero.

When Did This Happen?

2012-01-13T21:39:00.001-05:00

As I was going through our beach pictures from the today I stopped and said out loud

"What the heck? He's almost as tall as me!"

I showed my hubby in absolute ~~denial~~ confusion. And since his feet were sinking in the wet sand he's probably even a tinge taller.

*lump in throat*

I am well aware of his flourishing maturity but it continually creeps up on me. It makes me even more grateful that I homeschool and witness not only his educational evolution but his personal and spiritual growth.

With that being said

he will always be my sweet monkey boy!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2012-01-11T09:59:00.000-05:00

Let's just dive right in to it.....

Not only am I loving this show but I am certainly obsessed. Kudos to PBS!

I adore the time period (right after the Titanic sank), the characters and the drama. You will be hooked with one episode.

I am loving the iPad 2! It was funny, the other night Phil was on the iPad, I was on my iPhone and Logan was on his iPod, good iGrief;-)

I love that my son is so enthusiastic about his future. He was viewing an Astronomy school....

Logan: I found an Astronomy school in Australia, here are the courses I need in high school, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, I need to get my PhD....what's a PhD?

Me: Most Astronomers have their PhD's in Astronomy or Physics, you could be a professor and teach Astronomy in Universities.

Logan: Well, I better get started.

Me: To get your PhD?

Logan: Yes, I need math tools for Calculus.

So, we went out and purchased various math tools, I know Phil, my math wiz hubby, will be assisting.

He is also practicing his "doctors" signature, ha!

LOVE that kid!

I am loving that my husband has taken holiday on Friday so we may have an uninterrupted family day at the beach.

Of course I can't close out with out some Pinterest follies.

I need this shirt for Phil's co-workers refer to me as his Executive Assistant;-)

What are you loving today?

Scripture Stick Strikes Again

2012-01-08T11:21:00.000-05:00

My very own pastor has spoken this phrase and it is so very true.

Over the past couple of weeks myself and others have been struggling with this same phrase but in a business arena. When a company promotes themselves as "Christian" based you should not have to question their actions but when you do and the "Scripture Stick" begins beating you down so those above you can feel empowered I begin to question the word "Christian".

I am a Child of God but when people on a daily basis say to me and others

"I'm a Christian."

"I'm a Christian"

"My company is Christian based"

"We are Christians"

Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?

The Bible is meant to lift people up, fill them with Love and Encouragement NOT to persecute or shun. NOT to judge and belittle. That is not your place, only God may judge.

My Father knows who I am, he knows my flaws and my imperfections and you know what, He Loves me anyway. And no one individual or an entire company will tell me different. I don't need to send the "I'm a Christian" message to them because they do not matter, only God does. My relationship with God is mine and mine alone and I cherish it very deeply.

You can not come to me preaching "I'm a Christian" and then spew vile falsehoods. You can not beat down people with your "Scripture Stick" and stand above them grinning with arrogant satisfaction.

Not only does this pertain to the business world but in every day life. I have begun this year extracting those who bring nothing but nonsense and negativity in to my life. The self-induced misery cyclone will not suck me in, people will not steal my joy!

To be a child of God you need to love and lift up others, you need to own up to your mistakes because it's OK to say "I messed up and I'm sorry." That makes you real and genuine. God will Forgive but you have to acknowledge your errors otherwise it's just an empty prayer. The Bible is not a weapon of pride but a story filled with love and forgiveness, with strife and reward. If you fling scriptures around like bitter whips then you truly have no idea what the Bible is about and that makes me sad.

Though my anger for those who have hurt not only myself but dear friends of mine I have let it go, I have given it to God because He knows what to do. I released that heavy balloon in to the heavens for they will not steal one more once of my joy. Let them move on in their unethical ways and we will move on in ours, full of strength and love.

God Bless!

My Boys Rock

2012-01-06T11:39:00.000-05:00

Mid-afternoon yesterday my hubby calls to ask if Logan and I would like to join him, the VP of Operations for LensCrafters and a Regional Learning Specialist for dinner. I hadn't planned on going anywhere so I guess I better shower ha! Phil was on his way up to get us so I had about a hour to get ready, piece of cake:-) I had to admit, I was a bit nervous, I always want to make a good impression when I meet any of Phil's colleagues and especially very important executives. But I knew Logan's awesomeness would be the highlight of the evening and it was for sure. He may be socially awkward but once he warms up to the situation he's quite the comedian!

We went to this amazing place in Indian Shores

The ambiance was posh but serene. The wood burning grill filled your senses with hickory and flare. We chose to sit on the patio which gave us a fantastic view of the canal.

In the breeze you could catch the saltwater aroma from the Gulf which was on the other side of the road, my absolute favorite smell!

It was a good thing I brought my sweater because it chilled down (Florida standards) as the sun began to set. They did have these wonderful heating lamps in between the tables so those kept Logan and I comfortable for quite some time.

As I listened to their conversations I couldn't help but beam with pride. When they would boast about Phil's strong work ethic or his rock star personality I couldn't help but smile. I am uber proud of my husband! There are so many wonderous things that Phil is heading up in the company and he is busting his tukus but still making time for his family. That work/family balance is difficult to achieve, we didn't always have that balance but he makes an effort to show us we are always numero uno.

Logan made quite an impression (as always) he had the table laughing, even the waiter:-) And he devoured his steak! And expressed to everyone that he feels like a lion or dinosaur eating his prey hahahaha! He LOVES steak! He told them he wants to be an astronomer and a ghost hunter (as a hobby), it was awesome to see Logan conversate with such ease, he felt very comfortable with them.

When we were finished we said our thank you's and farewell's (free dinner, gee, twist my arm) Phil, David and Mike did their "Man Hugs", we went to our designated cars and made our departure home. When we arrived to the house Phil asked me to read an email he had just received. It was from David (VP) and it was addressed to Logan. He said it was the best day ever because he got to spend the evening with a new friend. He told Logan that being an astronomer would be awesome and to pursue it. His son is Logan's age and he knows if they lived closer they would be good friends. In Logan fashion he replies with an enthusiastic

"COOL!"

With a Fonzie thumbs up.

How amazing is that?

Phil works for a fabulous company and we are blessed beyond belief!

Since the market that Phil is in was number in 2011 Phil's boss purchased iPads for each regional, a thank you for all their hard work (free iPad, gee, twist my arm again).

I am so very, very proud of my husband, I will brag him up all day long because him and Logan are my world and I know Logan will grow up being a strong hard working man just like his father.

And I am proud of Logan for going outside his social comfort zone but he turns his quirks into hilarious one liners....he IS my son! Hehehe!

God definitely knew what He was doing when He brought Phil in to my life:-)

I better cut it before I become too mushy....

Happy Friday my Bloggy Peeps! Be Blessed!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2012-01-04T13:41:00.001-05:00

I know I'm double posting today but I can NOT do my What I'm Loving Wednesday, that would feel wrong;-)

I am warming my cold hands with some

I love this stuff! And it completely relaxes me which I need, especially by the end of the day.

Yes, the hot mess known as The Bachelor has started once again. And the first episode didn't disappoint, Holy Train Wreak Batman! Love!

I know I always say this but I LOVE homeschooling my son. We took the entire month of December off, well, partly because he was uber sick but because we typically take it off and just relax and enjoy the holiday festivities. We started back up this week and so far so good, no tears have been shed yet;-)

I love this idea and so want to do this at my house.

Now for some Pinterest Love!

(my son says this is me;-)

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

What are you loving today?

Real Homeschool Spanish Review

2012-01-04T13:12:00.000-05:00

We always love new second language programs so we were excited about Real Homeschool Spanish. The REAL stands for Relax, Enjoy, Aspire and Learn Spanish. Dr.Karyn Williamson-Coria, who is a homeschool mom herself, designed this program for busy homeschool families.

I was given the downloadable version of the program which included 55 vocabulary clusters, 15 idea sections, a 179 page activity book, audio files, an answer guide and a daily planning guide and chart.

Click here to see a sample of the vocabulary and home educator tips.

Here is a sample of the various activities your child will be doing which are fun word searches and crossword puzzles.

Real Homeschool Spanish make it easy to order which bundle you would like. They range from $9.99 - $99.95.

You can contact them at support@realhomeschoolspanish.com.

You may return the Homeschool Spanish material within three weeks from shipping date for a full refund of the price of the item if we receive the item back in a salable as new condition. You may mail them to Homeschool Spanish/ Attn: Carlos Coria Sanchez / 7007 Chapparall Lane / Charlotte NC 28215. Before you place your return in a box / envelope, make sure you do not use the book or CDs, write in the book or on the cover, or break the binding and crease the book as it will no longer look new and we will not be able to resell it. The CDs must contain no scratches, smudges or cracks. Place your shipping slip in the box/envelope. Please pack your book well before sending to avoid damaging in the shipping. Please do not use newspapers as packing material as the ink can stain the book. Please insure the package when mailing. We are not able to accept returns with the digital purchase.

They have a very informational FAQ page to answer all your questions.

Please come read my fellow crew mates reviews on Real Homeschool Spanish.

Any products reviewed by me as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew have been given to me free of charge in order for me to provide you with an honest review of the product and/or how we used the product within our family. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.

Farewell Blondie

2012-01-03T17:21:00.000-05:00

I must admit, I've been a fraudulent golden haired gal for some years now. It started when I was pregnant with Logan my hair decided to go dark, crazy prego hormones;-)

With a fresh new year pulling at my follicles I went to see my fabulous friend Shelley, sat down and told her I needed a new color, work your beautifying magic...

and she did.

LOVE!!!!!!

Out with the old and in with the new (and of course sassy)

Well, MORE Sassified;-)

Hide the Wire Hangers!

2012-01-02T13:08:00.001-05:00

Dear Obnoxious Kate Gosselin Wanna Be:

Let me begin by saying that all the money you plan on dropping at Ann Taylor Loft you may need in the future when your children need extensive therapy (possible labotomy). Or really good lawyers because I am pretty sure an "accident" may be coming your way in the next 15 years. When your two week old infant is screaming excessively it is not because he is trying to ruin your retail experience it's because he's HUNGRY or DIRTY. And yelling to the infant

"Oh My God! What?"

Is not what I call a very motherly response and I am also pretty confident that he's not going to reply as he is two weeks old.

When your four year old is hugging your leg and you say

"Get out of the way!"

Because you want the last purple sweater,

the movie Mommy Dearest pops in to my head.

Besides the emotional or lack there of response to your children let's discuss your hair.

This is a NO! NO!

And pouring bleach in it is an even bigger NO! NO!

Stop with the reverse mullet already!

She is a NOT a celebrity and neither are you as you instruct the sales associate to pick out your clothing selections for you because you are "holding Starbucks" as your infant (still screaming) and your four year, Oh wait, you have another child, oh goodie. I see that one plotting his revenge right now.

Kate Gosselin is NOT a role model for mothers so stop it!

And make sure to hide the bleach that you soak in because your beyond adorable children may "accidentally" dump that into your Starbucks one day.

Stop cradling your Starbucks and feed your child!

Sincerely,

2011 Has Left the Building

2011-12-31T12:40:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year My Bloggy Peeps!

Actually, I am anti-resolution but I will be embracing 2012 with sassified sauciness!

In the words of my eleven year old

"Peace out homeslice!"

Until next year.......

XXOOXXOO

Because I Need a Laugh Today....

2011-12-29T11:23:00.003-05:00

OK, I feel better;-)