Happy 2 Homeschool

Fun but absolutely nothing to do with homeschooling :)

2010-10-22T21:20:00.006-04:00

I gave the kids off today...we'll just call it a teacher workday :)

I am leaving tomorrow to run a half marathon in Myrtle Beach!! Let's just say running is the only thing (somedays) that allows me to keep it all together. I have been training since January for this race and it is my first "half". Next year, I'm going for the full marathon! Wish me luck and I will be back blogging on Monday...

Promises, promises...

2010-10-22T00:28:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know. I always blog that I am going to do better and then I do worse than before. Let's try this again!

Alot has happened since the last post. I have been soul searching trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. Maybe I should figure that out before my kids grow up!

The fact of the matter is that I am happiest when I am teaching. I love my kids. I love all kids. I see the potential in them all and I just want to pull it out. Its kind of like a puzzle figuring out what technique fits each child. I love the challenge! My son taught me how to do it. Who would have thought he could come so far? Sure we still have a long way to go but when I look back, I am absolutely amazed!

Now, make no mistake, I hate autism, but because I trust God, I know He will help us make the most of it. Scripture says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose". (Romans 8:28) I have learned more about the human brain and learning over the last 12 years than I ever WANTED to know. So we are going to use it!

I went back to school this fall at Liberty University. I'm going to finish my Masters of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education. It's going to take me a couple years to finish it which is fine. I need that time to get Zack to a point where he can function in a classroom. There was a time when there was no way he could make it in that setting. He still needs a one-on-one to keep him on task but we are going to work towards more independence. He needs it and I need it too.

Language is our primary goal right now. I already know he is smart. He reads college textbooks. He tests through the roof on standardized tests. But what good is that going to do if he can't function in society, form relationships, communicate? Everything from here on is working towards that goal

Re-invention

2010-04-26T16:42:00.002-04:00

I have been systematically re-inventing myself. Now its time to do the same thing with my blog...time to change it up! I have been contemplating where I want to take this thing and I think I have figured it out....however, I reserve the right to change my mind (as always) :)

We recently moved from classic homeschooling with textbooks and standard curriculum to lapbooking and notebooking. While there seems to be a plethora of materials out there for younger kids, I have been hard pressed to find the materials I need for the upper middle and high school levels....therefore I am seeing that as a calling:

See a need, and fill it!

I will now be working on some original materials for Math (which is EXTREMELY hard to find) and Earth and Space Science. So stay tuned............

Getting Ready

2009-04-03T17:51:00.004-04:00

We leave on Sunday for the Institutes. I have so much to do - laundry so I can pack, food to make to take with us, a revisit report to complete, my own school work which is already a week late. Plus Zack's programs still have to get done and I have to teach Ashley's homeschool work. I just can't get motivated to get it done and I find myself staring blindly in the open refrigerator door looking for some comfort. But there is none to be had.

On the bright side, I got out the invites to my Partylite show that is next Saturday. They got my first triple threat: postcards, evites, and a new service I just came across called phonevite. I am hoping for a great turnout. A fun candle party with big sales would be an awesome welcome home present after 5 days of intense programming in Philadelphia.

Zack isn't doing so well today. I think he might be nervous about the trip. I wonder sometimes if he is disappointed in his own progress especially after he puts in so much work. Bob and I always beat ourselves up when we feel like we didn't get the results we wanted. I always forget that maybe Zack feels that way too. His biggest problem in life is comunication, always has been. I know it must be frustrating for him.

I am already feeling very guilty because I don't think I did a very good job this 6 months with programming. We always come home with good intentions but then life gets in the way. Actually, I am feeling pretty much like a bad mom. I have yelled at Ashley really hard a few times here lately, the baby watches entirely too much TV, and we should get stock in McDonalds because some days we go there twice.

Sorry, I am just venting...we'll get it done the best way we know how.

Why I love my job

2009-03-30T22:24:00.018-04:00

People ask me all the time, what I do for a living. First and foremost, I tell them, I am a mom and I homeschool my kids. That in itself is a full-time job. I love that job and feel very blessed that I can do it. Being a stay-at-home mom can become all-consuming at times. So much so, I sometimes find that I feel like I have no other identity other than that of "Mommy".

Fortunately, I have another job that has given me so much over the last almost 11 years. I sell candles and decor for a company called Partylite. I started back in 1998 just to make a little money on the side. And the money has been nice for sure! But over the years, it has become so much more than the money.

I knew from the beginning this was going to be different than anything I had done before. A big clue for me was the fact that Partylite starts its consultants off for free. I had sold other things before - Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Avon - but they all required consultants to pay money for a kit in order to become a consultant. Partylite gives new consultants the opportunity to earn a kit that is worth over $350 for free. This was their investment in me. That said alot to me that a company would have enough faith and trust in me as well in their product and programs to start me off by giving me so much. Now that is getting off on the right foot!

And they keep on giving! Always wanting us to make money and not spend money, each month they provide ways to earn upcoming specials or more candles to burn and give as prizes. To give you an idea of their generosity, when gas was over $4.00 per gallon, Partylite gave us an opportunity to receive an extra $100 Bonus if we turned in 2 extra shows than we had the month before. This was on top of our already generous commissions. It really helped and more than paid for my gasoline that month.

Enough of the money, the intrinsic rewards are even better! Some of my best friends, I have met through Partylite either as hostesses, customers, or fellow consultants. My best friend, Peggy, was a hostess until I mentioned she would be great at doing Partylite, and she is. My friend, Helen, who was my very first hostess, still hosts shows for me once or twice per year. Joyce F., Amy K., Cheryl S., Connie and Danny (yes guys too!), and the list goes on and on...all friends through Partylite.

My Partylite friends have really been there for me. I have a child with autism. I teach him at home and his programs are very intense. Many times we are still at it at 9 o'clock at night trying to finish everything up. My friend, Connie, who also sold Partylite with me comes over weekly for a couple of hours just so I can get a break even to just sit at Starbucks and drink a cup of coffee by myself. She has done this for over 3 years faithfully. That is a true friend.

I have seen more of the world in the last 11 years due to Partylite than I had in the previous 30 years B.P. (before partylite) - Now I am telling my age! LOL With Partylite I have gone to St. Louis, Washington DC, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Aruba, and Atlantis in the Bahamas. I didn't even know where Aruba was until Partylite came into my life! Each year we have a National Conference for 4 days in a major city in the US. We have had it in St Louis several times since it is centrally located. This year, we are back in Atlanta. We pile 4 or 5 girls into a hotel room and its like sorority life all over again...plus its a tax deductible business expense! :) I look forward to this "vacation" every year - no kids, no husband, no dishes, no laundry, no cooking!

I try to do candle parties 2 nights each week. I love my shows! I love the reason to get dressed nice and put on makeup. I love the drive to the hostess' house. It is totally quiet. I love meeting and talking to new people - adult conversation! I love helping people find just that right candle and/or holder to make a room really WOW! I love all the good food that I didn't have to cook :) I love giving the hostess so much free stuff! Most of my hostesses get to go on a free $100-150 shopping spree! Most of all, I love that for 2 hours, I don't have to think about autism - I can just be a normal person like every body else.

Another one of my favorite parts of my job is sharing my job with other people. Especially in this economy, everyone can use a little extra cash. I love giving someone looking at losing their job, a little security. ( You can't be fired from Partylite - it is your own business) I love showing someone that they can change their family's life by affording a better house, or car, that trip to Disney, or even get rid of those pesky credit cards. I love watching someone who used to be shy and lack confidence really blossom and become a successful business person. Hey, I started out reading from index cards :)

And finally, I love the way Partylite has helped me develop my talents. I am a teacher and with Partylite I get to teach adults. I teach my customers and hostesses how to spruce up and create a relaxing ambiance in their homes. I also love to train my fellow consultants. We have 2 workshops each month where I get to show Partylite consultants ways to increase their incomes. One is held in my home for my immediate team members. The other is for the entire central Virginia area. My goal is to one day, train at our National Conference in front of a packed arena of over 10,000 consultants.

Want to join me?? Check it out here!

Don't forget to light a candle tonight. Everything is better by candle light!

The Big Green Miracle (We Hope)

2009-03-29T16:21:00.005-04:00

This is Zack's new O2/CO2 tank. He is to do 12 inhalations per day working up to 40 seconds each. Why, you ask?

Evidently, the area of his brain that is injured also effects his breathing. You wil notice that many brain injured children are "mouth breathers" and their mouths are always slightly open if not really open in the most severe cases.

Interestingly, it was revealed that Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimmer, was severely learning disabled as a child and that is why his mother put him in swimming. LD is a type of brain imjury. Have you ever noticed when you see him how his mouth is always slightly open?

Anyway, Zack's biggest problem in life is that he cannot communicate easily by talking. He just doesn't have enough air. That is because when a child is confronted with the choice of either to breathe or talk, he will choose to breathe and live - DUH! Now at the last visit to the Institutes, we discovered that Zack is trying to talk his fool head off but we just can't hear him. His voice is so soft and his pronunciation so poor, we just can't make out what he is saying. Therefore, we are teaching his brain how to breathe more deeply.

Evidently, CO2 and not O2 is what controls your breathing. When there is more CO2 in your blood gases, a signal goes to the brain to breath more deeply thereby increasing the oxygen and decreasing the level of CO2. By having Zack breathe a mixture of 80% O2 and 20% CO2, it triggers this breathing reflex to breath more deeply. This teaches his brain how it feels to breathe deeply. By doing this multiple times per day, we are in effect re-wiring his brain. Over time, this should help him to always breath more deeply and hopefully improve the quality of his speech.

We pray that it will. This little green miracle cost a pretty penny - $800 to start and then $84 for each tank refill - and as usual, insurance doesn't cover anything. Thank you Southern Health. I love giving you over $300 out of every paycheck and then you don't want to pay for anything.

My brother and his wife have gotten this same tank for their son who is also brain injured. They swear it works miracles and by golly their son talks! Of course they got their tank a few years ago and it only cost them about $300. Funny thing about medical supply companies: as soon as they figure out that desperate parents will give their right arm to make their kids better, they jack up the prices on everthing. Nice right - special place in "&*@!" for these folks, I always say.

Baltimore

2009-03-28T14:54:00.008-04:00

I am so excited!! The room is booked! Peg and I will be on our way to Baltimore April 24 and 25th for a Partylite Multi-Regional Event. I so need this to pump some life back into me. I am especially excited about seeing "The Guys"!! They are our entertainers from our National Conferences. I am especially partial to Kevin ( the brunette). Peg adores Billy (the blonde). And everyone loves Karl too!! :)

This will be just a taste of what is to come in Atlanta July 15-18th at our National Conference! Road Trip! I can't wait!!

See, this is just exactly what I was talking about....my Partylite is just so much more than money. The whole experience just gives so much to me. Look at what I have to look forward to in the next few months!

On another note, I have been totally caught up in the blog of a young lady that I used to go to church with at United Christian Church. I was not friends with her per se but every now and then we would run into each other at various church events or at gatherings at some our our mutual friends' homes. She recently lost her battle with leukemia and her plight has just wrenched my heart. 33 years old, mother of a three-year-old, it seems such a tragedy (which it is). Her story has caused me to face some of my darkest fears - the C word for one. But most fearfully, the thought of my leaving this earth before my son is recovered from his autism (being the control freak that I am). More on this later....I have a 1 year old covered in spaghetti sauce who needs my attention.

Been a long time

2009-03-28T00:14:00.002-04:00

It has been a long time since my last post. I have been very busy homeschooling Ashley, doing Zack's programs, going to college myself, and trying to keep up with a one year old who just may be my most spirited child.

How many plates can one juggle in the air until they all fall down and crash into a million pieces??? Stay tuned...

I say that and then I reveal that I restarted my Partylite business. I have sorely missed it. Mostly I miss the camaraderie of it and the sense of belonging. Some of my best friends I have I met through Partylite either as hostesses, customers, or fellow consultants.

Momtourage

2008-11-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

I Will Survive! Hilarious!!

2008-11-03T08:35:00.000-05:00

My Baby Loves To Read!

2008-10-06T22:13:00.004-04:00

A New Year!

2008-09-13T23:08:00.007-04:00

I always love the beginning of a new school year. A fresh start. New curriculum. An abundance of school supplies (I have a thing for school supplies!) This is my first year of homeschooling a "middle schooler". Ashleys' curriculum this year will include Bible of course, United States Geography, the usual 6th grade math and Language arts, Earth Science, and what I am most excited about - Japanese. Or as I should say "Nihongo" (Japanese) Stay tuned as I post our Unit Studies.

Our co-op starts in 2 weeks as well. There I will be teaching Beginning Sewing and World Geography.

Zack's programs are getting into swing too. His programs this period are focusing on organizing the cortical areas of the brain, improving his breathing and thereby improving his language. We found out that he is talking up a storm, but his voice is so soft and his articulation so poor, that we cannot understand him. In fact, he facilitated that "I talk all of the time but they (his family) don't listen." That of course, broke my heart, and explains some of the bad behaviors he has due to frustration.

So we will continue his running program (3 miles per day- I'm gonna be so skinny!) We are increasing his gymnastics program and have added a simple gymnastics routine he will learn and practice 5 times per day. Also, he has a gravity assisted jumping and hopping program that I think he going to love. In addition, he is to increase his bracheation (monkey bars) from 10 trips per day to 40.

To improve his breathing, he will continue to sleep in his Respiratory patterning device. He will do about 70 masks per day and we have added 10-20 CO2O2 inhalations per day.

He is back on his special diet (no wheat, no milk, no soy, no tomatoes, no citrus, no bananas) so I am cooking all fresh organic again. However this time, the whole family is going on the diet, not just Zack. Which is only fair and we can all stand to eat more healthy. Ashley is not very happy about this!!

Kristen continues to learn to read and do math using programs I learned for Zack at the Institutes www.iahp.org . Remember she is only 13 months old!!! I will be adding Encyclopedic Knowledge to that in the next couple of weeks as soon as I can get the materials made.

Busy, busy!! But I love every minute of it!

Ashley waterskiing

2008-09-10T13:05:00.001-04:00

Zack playing with other kids at the Institutes

2008-08-26T02:13:00.000-04:00

Mommy's Got A New Ride!

2008-07-15T17:17:00.002-04:00

My hubby is so good to me! I have been cramming 3 kids into the Malibu for almost a year and yesterday, my DH calls me from work and tells me to go pick up my new car! Yes, its a minivan but its a cool minivan! A Chevy Uplander. I just love it!

Amen to this article

2008-07-11T23:32:00.001-04:00

SONNY SCOTT:Home-schoolers threaten our cultural comfort
6/8/2008 9:39:01 AM
Daily Journal

You see them at the grocery, or in a discount store.

It's a big family by today’s standards - "just like stair steps," as the old folks say. Freshly scrubbed boys with neatly trimmed hair and girls with braids, in clean but unfashionable clothes follow mom through the store as she fills her no-frills shopping list.

There's no begging for gimcracks, no fretting, and no threats from mom. The older watch the younger, freeing mom to go peacefully about her task.

You are looking at some of the estimated 2 million children being home schooled in the U.S., and the number is growing. Their reputation for academic achievement has caused colleges to begin aggressively recruiting them. Savings to the taxpayers in instructional costs are conservatively estimated at $4 billion, and some place the figure as high as $9 billion. When you consider that these families pay taxes to support public schools, but demand nothing from them, it seems quite a deal for the public.

Home schooling parents are usually better educated than the norm, and are more likely to attend worship services. Their motives are many and varied. Some fear contagion from the anti-clericalism, coarse speech, suggestive behavior and hedonistic values that characterize secular schools. Others are concerned for their children’s safety. Some want their children to be challenged beyond the minimal competencies of the public schools. Concern for a theistic world view largely permeates the movement.

Indications are that home schooling is working well for the kids, and the parents are pleased with their choice, but the practice is coming under increasing suspicion, and even official attack, as in California.

Why do we hate (or at least distrust) these people so much?

Methinks American middle-class people are uncomfortable around the home schooled for the same reason the alcoholic is uneasy around the teetotaler.

Their very existence represents a rejection of our values, and an indictment of our lifestyles. Those families are willing to render unto Caesar the things that Caesar’s be, but they draw the line at their children. Those of us who have put our trust in the secular state (and effectively surrendered our children to it) recognize this act of defiance as a rejection of our values, and we reject them in return.

Just as the jealous Chaldeans schemed to bring the wrath of the king upon the Hebrew eunuchs, we are happy to sic the state’s bureaucrats on these “trouble makers.” Their implicit rejection of America’s most venerated idol, Materialism, (a.k.a. “Individualism”) spurs us to heat the furnace and feed the lions.

Young families must make the decision: Will junior go to day care and day school, or will mom stay home and raise him? The rationalizations begin. "A family just can't make it on one income." (Our parents did.) "It just costs so much to raise a child nowadays." (Yeah, if you buy brand-name clothing, pre-prepared food, join every club and activity, and spend half the cost of a house on the daughter’s wedding, it does.) And so, the decision is made. We give up the bulk of our waking hours with our children, as well as the formation of their minds, philosophies, and attitudes, to strangers. We compensate by getting a boat to take them to the river, a van to carry them to Little League, a 2,800-square-foot house, an ATV, a zero-turn Cub Cadet, and a fund to finance a brand-name college education. And most significantly, we claim “our right” to pursue a career for our own
"self-fulfillment."

Deep down, however, we know that our generation has eaten its seed corn. We lack the discipline and the vision to deny ourselves in the hope of something enduring and worthy for our posterity. We are tired from working extra jobs, and the looming depression threatens our 401k’s. Credit cards are nearly maxed, and it costs a $100 to fuel the Suburban. Now the kid is raising hell again, demanding the latest Play Station as his price for doing his school work … and there goes that modest young woman in the home-made dress with her four bright-eyed, well-behaved home-schooled children in tow. Wouldn’t you just love to wipe that serene look right off her smug face?

Is it any wonder we hate her so?

Sonny Scott a community columnist, lives on Sparta Road in Chickasaw County and his e-mail address is sonnyscott@yahoo.com.

Appeared originally in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 6/8/2008

Long Time No Post!

2008-03-21T20:48:00.003-04:00

Whew, what a busy week or so! So much has happened. Where do I begin? The big news!!!!!! We finally sold our house! Yeah! No more keeping it spotless which I can tell you is super hard for a book and paper crazy homeschool mom with 3 kids! We have also bought a new home which we move into on April 25th. And when I say brand new, I mean BRAND SPANKING NEW with loads of upgrades and 2850 square feet!!. This deal really just fell into our laps. There was a house in a subdivision that someone had custom built and had lost their contract. The builder needed to get rid of it before their fiscal year ended. Their loss but our gain! We got it for a steal and will be moving in with $50,000 in equity from the get go. I can't wait to post a couple of pics of my new kitchen which is as big as my den and kitchen put together now. Next week I will be heading over to measure for curtains and will take some pictures then. Meanwhile, here are a couple pics of the outside:

Organizing my Coupons

2008-03-03T14:01:00.003-05:00

Over the last few weeks, I have tried several different systems for organizing my coupon collection which is becoming HUGE. I have tried the little accordian file you can buy at the dollar store - way too small. Then I tried the baby wipe container- still too small. Then envelopes - hard to go through at the store. I have finally settled on the "notebook". I have a 3" notebook and I bought baseball card holder sheets. I made my own headings out of cardstock. It seems to work pretty well and I can see all of my coupons which makes them easier to find. Speed is key as I don't want to irritate my fellow customers at the grocery store by making them wait in the checkout line :)

Raisin Bread

2008-02-28T08:00:00.002-05:00

I made my first attempt at breadingmaking from scratch yesterday. Now I have 3 loaves of some pretty yummy raisin bread. Mine didn't look as pretty as the recipe picture but it does taste wonderful. Only drawback - my entire kitchen is destroyed!! Here is a pic of mine and a link to the recipe here.

Reading and Math Program

2008-02-26T23:08:00.007-05:00

I am finally organizing Kristen's reading and math programs. (Yes, she is only 6 months old!) These are the same programs I used to teach Zack, our brain injured child, to read and do math. The logistics of the programs are in the books, How To Teach Your Baby To Read and How To Teach Your Baby Math by Glen Doman at The Institutes For The Achievement of Human Potential . It turns out that the best time to teach your child is when they are under 6 years old when the brain is growing so quickly. The Institutes originally developed these programs to help brain injured kids and found that they worked just as well with typical children when they are very young. Our son is a testament to them as at 9 years old, he is able to speed read over 300 words per second on the high school level and he can do instant math including algebra and geometry. Did I mention that he is brain injured???!!!!

Anyway, I have taught her about 20 words so far and I really needed to sit down and make up some word cards. I made 75 cards today. That will last me about 2-3 weeks (maybe) We started math as well. I had bought the math cards from the Institutes for Zack. While some of them are a little ragged around the edges, they will work just fine for Kristen. We learned the quantities 0-4. I will teach her 5-9 tomorrow.

She got so excited when I showed her the cards today. I thought she was going to jump right out of her seat! I am thrilled to be able to give her such a gift. Thank you God for enlightening me with this knowledge. I keep thinking what a breeze college would have been for me if I could have read as fast as these kids!! :)

Super Savings Saturday

2008-02-23T22:14:00.004-05:00

I think this was my best week yet! This is what I got:

2 boxes Honey Bunches of Oats
1 6-pk bottled water
2 Muir Glen Tomato Paste
1 box Pop-Tarts
1 box Morning Star Farms Breakfast Sausage
1 2-pk 5 Hour Energy Drinks
1 Hershey's Special Dark candy bar
1 Fructis Shampoo
1 Sunsilk Shampoo
1 Sunsilk Conditioner
2 Sunsilk Styling Aids
2 Chapstick Naturals
2 Bottles Jane Cosmetics foundation
10 Jane Cosmetics Mascaras
1 4-pk Extreme3 Shavers
1 Venus Embrace Razor
1 Gillette Phenom Razor

Grand Retail Value of all products: $125.29. Amount that I paid out of pocket : $8.67!!!!! Plus, I have $10.00 in Walgreens Register Rewards to use next time and $20.87 in rebates coming to me!! I had to run around a little. I went to Target, Ukrops, CVS, and Walgreens. But, it was well worth it!!! Thanks to Money Saving Mom for all of the great deal ideas!

Apple Cobbler

2008-02-22T23:45:00.002-05:00

I made the yummiest and easy Apple Cobbler today! It was just the right treat for a cold, icy day.

Apple Cobbler

6 small Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced.
1 Cup flour
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup milk
3 tsp baking powder
1 stick butter
cinnamon sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk. Pour into baking pan. My personal favorite is my Pampered Chef Deep Dish Baker. Layer peeled, cored, and sliced apples on top of mixture. Melt butter and pour over apples. Sprinkle entire dish with cinnamon sugar. Bake 45 minutes until crust is golden brown.

Riding Lessons

2008-02-22T03:39:00.005-05:00

Ashley started riding lessons today. She did really well and I am so proud at how she jumped right in. No fear! She has really had to step up this year with the new baby and everything else.

She so deserves this.

It is Snowing Outside!

2008-02-20T21:54:00.005-05:00

Just two days ago, it was 70 degrees and we spent the day at the park! But I just looked outside and it is snowing! Let's hope we get a good amount that hangs around tomorrow while the buyers are looking at our house. It will cover up the holes in the backyard where Duke the dog has dug to China!

Somebody Please Buy My House!

2008-02-20T19:45:00.009-05:00

Oh, the dreaded call. We have had about 2 weeks off - the first because we were sick with the flu and the second just because no one called. But this afternoon, the realtor called. Someone is coming tomorrow at 2 to look at our house which has been on the market since August. We have had alot of traffic since Christmas but no contracts. So I am feverishly cleaning as things have really piled up in the last couple of weeks. Case in point - my homeschooling corner of the kitchen. Here is the before picture.

It has taken me about 2 hours, mostly because Zack doesn't like change and every time, I put something away, he pulls it out again. I have sent him to his room in tears so I can get this done. So here is what it looks like now. On to the next project - the coat closet!

The Greatest Show On Earth

2008-02-20T16:48:00.006-05:00

Sorry, I have been "blog free" for a few days. It has just been busy, busy, busy around here. Saturday, I took the kids to the Circus. One of the "perks "of having a policeman DH who works lots of off-duty jobs is that we get free tickets to stuff. He was actually working the circus and we got to go while he was there. We have a great set-up at the Coliseum - a private box. It has a seating area, a kitchen area, and a private bathroom - "Mommy heaven".

Zack enjoyed the horses and the trapeze artists most of all. (and the popcorn!)

Ashley's favorites were the trapeze artists who did the triple flip.

This is Ashley's "best bud" from birth, Grayson, who came with us.

Rebates! Rebates! Rebates!

2008-02-15T18:36:00.003-05:00

I am so excited! I just sent off another rebate from my frugal shopping I have been doing lately. I am now expecting about $65 in checks in the coming weeks!
$29.95 Glucose Monitor
$12.99 Sambucol
$9.99 RxEssentials
$9.99 Citrocal
$3.49 Gerber Nuk bottle

PLUS
$11.00 Walgreens gift card

I am so grateful to Crystal at Money Saving Mom! My hubby even remarked that there was a glimmer in my eye that he hadn't seen in a while. (I am extremely exhausted!)Thank You!

First Day of Spring Semester Electives

2008-02-15T18:20:00.002-05:00

Whew! I am wiped out! Today was the first day of Spring Semester Electives at our homeschool co-op. We run them for 6 weeks in the fall and 6 weeks in the spring. Each child can pick up to 3 age appropriate electives. Ashley chose Latin, Intermediate crochet, and my class - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. My class is packed with 13 kids and I was amazed that the boys actually outnumber the girls. I was further amazed at how many kids esp the boys had read many of C.S. Lewis' books already. I must have made an impression too. I overheard my daughter telling some of the neighborhood public school children some of the historical facts about CS Lewis I taught them today. I am so proud! It makes all the blood, sweat, and tears worth it!

Tax Rebate

2008-02-14T00:15:00.003-05:00

President Bush signed the Tax Rebate Bill. See complete story HERE. It looks like our family can expect about $2100 sometime this spring or summer. We are going to be buying a new home. Our house is up for sale right now so I am sure we will be putting these $$$ to good use! What will you be using your rebate for?? Let us know in the comments.

Homeschool Materials Auction Site

2008-02-12T20:22:00.000-05:00

I just came across this great site as an alternative to Ebay for inexpensive homeschool materials. The HSLDA Materials Auction site. I always sell my materials at the end of the year and use the money to buy next year's curriculum.

How To Throw A Successful Home Party

2008-02-11T15:53:00.000-05:00

Are you hesitant to throw a home party because:

You are afraid no one will come?

You don't want your friends to feel pressure to spend money?

You don't want to spend a fortune on refreshments?

You don't want your friends to have to sit through a boring presentation?

You think you don't know anybody?

You don't want to have to clean your house?

If you answered yes to any (or all) of those questions, then this series is for you!

Step One: Pick a Party

What do you like? Is it cookware? Jewelry? Candles? Obviously, you have to enjoy whatever kind of party you are planning to have. Chances are your friends probably like the same things you like. But honestly, it doesn't matter. For instance, I burn candles. Most everyone I know burns candles of some kind. Now I have come across a few rare people who don't burn candles, but guess what?? They have friends and family who burn candles and they appreciate the opportunity to get some things as gifts for them. Here are some of my favorites and their links:

Partylite

Pampered Chef

Lia Sophia

Is the price point reasonable? I do understand the people who say that they don't want their friends to feel like they have to buy something. Actually, I want to clarify that to say I don't want my friends to feel like they have to buy something that is not a good deal. Therefore, I won't throw a party and invite people to buy things where the prices start at over $20. Not everyone can afford a $50 bowl and it is not nice to put your friends in the position of having to reveal that fact. That is one of the reasons that my favorite party plans are my favorites. For example:

Partylite prices start at $7.95 for a dozen tealights.

Pampered Chef has items that start at $1.00.

Is there something that you want to get for free? Is there a really good deal for hostesses? I am a huge fan of free stuff! Most people are! For those of us who pride ourselves on frugality, throwing a home party is a great way for us to get some nice things for free or cheap. Before I became a candle lady, I would throw 2 candle parties each year. One in the spring to get some nice things for myself and to give as birthday or wedding gifts, and another one in the fall to get Christmas presents. Additionally, I still have at least one Pampered Chef party each year. I don't think I have ever paid for a piece of stoneware. Have your consultant keep you up to date on the current specials. When you see a great deal, date that party! For example, HERE are Partylite's current Hostess Specials.

Coming Next: Step 2 - Pick the Perfect Date

E-book ideas

2008-02-11T12:30:00.001-05:00

Over at Money Saving Mom we are talking about writing and marketing ebooks. Here are a list of ideas of subjects of which I feel qualified to write an e-book:

How to throw the most successful home party.

How to use color in decorating your home.

How to give a room "WOW" using candles.

How to teach your baby to read or do math.

Which of these ideas would you be most interested in learning? Leave me some feedback in the comments. Thanks!

My Partylite mantle

Rite Aid Deals and Rebates

2008-02-09T14:36:00.000-05:00

The One Touch Ultra 2 Glucose Meter is on sale for $29.95 at Rite Aid with a mail in Rebate for $29.95 in the box. Also, I had a $20 Coupon from the newspaper so that deal is potentially a moneymaker.

Also, RX Essential vitamins are on Sale for $9.99 with a $9.99 coupon in the store ad making them FREE. I also had the RX Essentials Rebate form (here) so that also is a potential money maker.

I purchased Speed Stick 24/7 for DH for $3.99. Rite Aid is offering a $3.99 rebate for that item making it free. However, I had a $.75/1 coupon so that means I made money on that too! Click here to go to Rite Aid site for Single Check rebate program.

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

2008-02-09T14:22:00.000-05:00

This morning my DH asks if I can get him something at the store to give him a little energy such as those energy drinks like Red Bull. He has been working alot at night and is starting to drag. I said, "No Problem!" and I immediately got out my CVS ad and coupons.

So off I go to CVS with a plan and my ECBs in my hand. This is what I got:

2 2-packs of the 6 hour energy drink $4.99 @ but they were B1G1free
Fructis Shampoo $3.99 $1/1 coupon
Excedrin Migraine $6.99 $3/1 coupon
Excedrin Back & Body $6.99 $2/1 coupon
Extra Gum $1.19 (I only added this when the cashier said, " Maam, your total is negative 4 cents!")

All total I only spent after using ECBs from my previous transaction $1.18 !!!! And I got $18.99 in ECBs to use next time! I so love this game! I got home and my DH said I was just "giddy".

My Super Saturday Savings Deal

2008-02-09T00:48:00.000-05:00

Woo Hoo! (That's southern for - I'm so excited!) I have been CVSing for about 3 weeks now since I stumbled upon my new favorite blog Money Saving Mom through the Home Educators Association of Virginia newsletter. I have made some good deals but this is by far my best trip so far.

I did this deal in 2 transactions. Here is the breakdown:

1 Glucose monitor value $19.99 ( I will be donating that to someone who needs it.)
2 bags of Dove chocolates $6.00
1 Snickers Dark $0.69 ( I had to get this because my total was negative!!)
2 Triaminic Thin Strips $13.98
1 Afrin Nasal Decongestant $5.99
1 TUMS Smoothies $3.49 (got these for my little sister :)

My total value before tax was $50.14 but I only paid OOP $1.15!!!Plus I still have $14 in ECBs left over and there is a $3.49 rebate on the TUMS so I actually MADE $$$$ on my shopping trip!

* By the way, the cashier told me that the online CVS $/$$ coupons that expired on 2/3/08 will still work. I wish I had known that before I did this deal but I can always go back and play the CVS game some more :)

I Love Grocery Day!

2008-02-08T08:20:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe I am actually saying that! But its true! Ever since, I came across my new favorite blog Money Saving Mom I look forward to grocery day. The CVS game and coupon clipping, while tedious to plan, is addictive. I get this huge RUSH by making a good deal and the benefits of stretching my budget dollars are invaluable.

I raided my aunt's old newspaper pile before she took them to the dump and scored some great coupons. I was up until 2am last night clipping them. Today, I will be planning my ventures and my mom will be here this afternoon so I can do my shopping unencumbered. I will post some of my great deals with pictures maybe later tonight or tomorrow.

I know I have to hit CVS and Rite Aid today for a couple of SUPER deals I have been looking forward to all week. There are also some great deals at Kroger ths week too.

A First

2008-02-07T15:25:00.000-05:00

I am sorry to say that Kristen has her first......

Ear Infection!

She has been very sick and I haven't been able to get her temp below 100 since Saturday. She slept through the night last night which scared the daylights out of me because that NEVER happens. She just isn't a good sleeper. Then when I changed her diaper this morning. it wasn't wet. Fearing dehydration, I broke down and took her to the Dr. (which I try to avoid)

I am not a big proponent of pediatricians. They always think they are smarter than MOM which I have a big problem with. ( I am usually right.) But my gut told me to go in so I did. I really don't want to give her antibiotics needlessly, but the Dr assured me that she has a secondary infection from her cold and the antibiotic is necessary. We shall see.

My family

2008-02-06T19:04:00.000-05:00

I would like for you to meet my family:

This is my husband, Bob, with our youngest daughter, Kristen. She is our "surprise" baby and we call her our little reward from God for a job well done!

This is our oldest daughter, Ashley who is 11 years old and in the 5th grade. She is the joy of my life. I couldn't do what I do without her. She is such a great helper to me. Thank You Lord!

And this is our little man, Zack. I love this boy! We're not sure what "grade" he is in. He is actually a genius. Diagnosed with a brain injury commonly referred to as autism at age 2, we started him on programs developed by the Institutes for the Achievement for Human Potential in Philadelphia, PA back in 2004. He has made amazing progress! At 9 Years old, he speed reads (300+ words per second) books on the high school level and can do instant math like a "human calculator".