Blog Worthy...

Time4learning Review

2010-12-16T14:41:00.001-05:00

Today we finished the trial period of Time4learning. I must say we have really enjoyed using the program. I found it to be a great supplement to many of the subjects we are studying. While we did not use the Math portion (we use Teaching Textbooks) I thought Math section was thoroughly explained. The Science was used by my daughter who has been using Apologia General Science. It covered the same topics and she liked it much better than Apologia. We used various levels of History to cover what we are studying. We used Greek Mythology and Medieval history and while my children were not in that particular level, all I had to do was email them and they changed their level so they could have access to that portion of that particular subject. I found this was done in a very timely manner; sometimes only taking a few minutes.
The Parent section contained lots of good information, forums. It also had a great scope and sequence that you could also chose what lesson you wanted your child to work on that day by simply entering the lesson number. There is also the playground that the kids like to take a break and play around on. They really did not use the playground that much but it is a nice feature for those especially with younger children.

I must say that I really liked this program. I think it is well work the money; the only thing I would change would be make the subscription rate the same for a family rather than individually. I would definitely recommend it as an affordable option to those who might like to try an online school or instead of cd's or dvd's. I would give it a 5 star rating!

Time4Learning can be used as ahomeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning

Time4learning Review

2010-11-08T19:00:00.000-05:00

I’ve been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T09:14:00.002-04:00

March already??

2010-03-12T20:37:00.009-05:00

What a gorgeous winter we have had!!! Beautiful snows, sledding, skiing, snowmen everywhere you look!!! We have not had a snowy winter like this in years, and personally, I have enjoyed it!!

I cannot believe it is already March...so I will wish you Happy New Year, Happy Valentines Day, Presidents Day, Happy Birthday to Me and I may as well throw in St. Patricks Day and Easter!!

We have about 35 baby chicks...

What a cute little assortment of friends!!

A lovely Fawn!

No wonder Jesus liked sheep...what a cute little lamb!

You two "quack" me up!!

We are now ready for Spring. I has been in the 6o's this week and it has felt wonderful.

Come on Spring we are ready for you!!

2009-12-26T16:37:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas from the Hill Family

Cake and Cam...my, how they have changed this year!

Apparently, I missed blogging before Christmas. Face book is much easier to keep up with everyone but I save my pictures for my blog. I guess it is the scrapbook I will never get around to completing!

We had an awesome snow a few days before Christmas, it was so heavy and beautiful clinging to the trees.

This year was a year of growing up for my girls...they did not write their usual letter to Santa and I have to say it made Momma a bit sad. After a bit of explaining how it all works, everything was ok, but it was truly a bit sad to realize your babies are not babies any longer.

We did have fun in the snow though...they are not too old to build snowmen and ride a sled!

What a beautiful picture God paints for us with snow!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T18:38:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from the Hill Family...

Thanksgiving Glitters

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T18:34:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from Hannah!

2009-11-16T19:22:00.006-05:00

Halloween 2009

Scooby Doo and the Mystery of the Disappearing Food!

Daniel as Shaggy

Cake as Daphne

Cam as Velma

Hannah Boo as Scooby Doo's Girlfriend

Yours Truly as the Witch Scooby and Gang are chasing!

"And I would have succeeded too...

if it had not been for those meddling kids and their stupid dog!!"

"Anyone interested in a little Scooby snack"??

Cake as the lovely Daphne

The Evil and Sinister Witch...

Witch Sister-in-laws!

Daphne and Velma

Pa and Nanny on their 62nd Wedding Anniversary...Oct 31st. Pa died 6 days later!

Hannah as Hannah Boo/Scooby Doo's Girlfriend

"Witch" one you going to try first?

Nanny and Pa's 62nd Anniversary Cake

Cam as Velma

Cake by Anthony!

Happy Fall Y'all...

2009-11-10T17:29:00.004-05:00

Hope you all had a great Fall season; we certainly did. School started off a bit slow as we went on a late vacation to Myrtle Beach with some friends.

Then... Daniel got the fishing fever so went back less than a month later with his Mom and Dad and our nephew, Jacob.

We had a great time together making precious memories!

Dano at Murrell's Inlet

Papaw and Granny...She's not really fishing!

Cake and Cam outside Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse.

Cake's favorite new restaurant (normally she does not like meat...but loves Rioz).

A day of fun in the sun!

Here's a pic of Cake...just turned 12 and growing up so fast...

My "Baby" Cam...turned 10...

Granny, Papaw, Cake, Cam and Jake outside Rioz...

Dano the Mano with his BIG fish!!

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

2009-09-07T20:12:00.002-04:00

Subscribe to The Old Schoolhouse™ Magazine for only $7.95!

Homeschooling is a Labor of Love, and the Old Schoolhouse™ Magazine is celebrating your hard work as a parent by putting their one-year print subscriptions on sale! For a very limited time, you can subscribe or renew for $7.95! (US only)

You can buy a gift sub for friends too! To gift a subscription:

1. Go to the one-year subscription page (US only) 2. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

3. Enter the name, address, email, and phone information for each recipient 4. click "Add this to my cart".

5. The information will display in your cart and simply proceed to check out.

There are only 2000 of these available, and they are going quickly! Your subscription begins with their Fall Issue.

If you live in an international location, you can subscribe to their digital edition for only $7.95! It's the same great content as their print magazine, except it is instant and interactive!

Anthony's Wedding

2009-07-31T13:59:00.002-04:00

This is pictures from my brother-in-law Anthony's wedding.

My new sister-in-law Kathy.

I hope they are happy for many, many years to come.

Anthony and Jacob deserves a good wife and mother...I am glad he found Kathy!

Beauty and the Beast Broadway Jr.

2009-06-19T21:50:00.002-04:00

Here are a few pics of Cake and Cam's dress rehearsal for Beauty and the Beast Broadway Jr. They play the parts of:

Bookseller - Cake

Hat Seller - Cam

Tea Cup - Cake

Napkin - Cam

2009-05-21T12:05:00.001-04:00

This is American Idol winner Kris Allen leading praise and worship in his church.

Books, Movies, and what we have been up to...

2009-05-07T17:25:00.006-04:00

I cannot believe it has been over a month since I last posted. We have been involved in so many

end of school activities...we are winding down and I am ready for summer break. The girls have two upcoming performances, one in Musical Theatre called "One Night Only" and then Cake's

piano recital as well as both of them in Musical Theatre recital. They are then gearing up for Camp Broadway Jr. for two weeks. This year they are doing "Beauty and the Beast". We are going to try to get in a few days vacation at Busch Gardens Williamsburg before they start camp.

The girls and Daniel have also been testing for their new TaeKwonDo belts...Cam tested from Orange to Green, Cake from Yellow to Orange and Daniel from White to Yellow. They did their first board breaking the other night and did great.

We also went to see Wolverine X-Men Origins. It was a great movie...We all dressed up like X-Men a couple of years ago for Halloween. We can't wait until the next one comes out...suppose to be Magneto and then Deadpool. How cool is that?

Daniel as Wolverine

Cam as Storm

Cake as Rogue

I have read three of the most awesome books this month...the first is

Fablehaven Dragon Santuary by Brandon Mull. Fabulous series of books if you like faeries and mythical creatures.

Second, by my favorite new teen author Laurie Halse Anderson, is Wintergirls. A book about two teenage girls with deating disorders...one is bulimic and one is anorexic. This is an awesome read...very eye opening to this disease.

Third, also by Laurie Halse Anderson, is Speak...Oh my goodness you have to read this book. It is about a girl that is sexually assaulted while at a party and was too young and scared to tell anyone for a year. It describes her first year of high school carrying this secret. She went from a popular girl with lots of friend to having absolutley none and being made fun of. She essentially just stopped talking to anyone...this is really a great book.

One more book by this author of a different genre is Fever 1793. This is a historical fiction about the epedemic of Yellow Fever in Philadelphia. Awesome book...great reads for Moms even though it is considered a teen book.

Chicks, Snow...Easter or Christmas??

2009-04-06T21:20:00.005-04:00

Yesterday Daniel built a chicken coop, rather refurished a bunny condo, for his 15 chicks. Who knows what "flavors" we will have. We did get two colored chicks for the girls...you must read how they are "engineered". The eggs are injected with dye prior to hatching, the chicks are not dyed afterwards like I thought...how cool is that? Would be a great science project!

Yesterday it was in the 80's now it is is the 30's...who turned on the air conditioner? Hope the chicks stay warm!

Kaitlyn's New Hobby

2009-04-03T17:16:00.001-04:00

1-800-GOOG-411

2009-02-24T22:23:00.002-05:00

OK... here is one of the coolest new things out there; a free service offered by Google. Please click on the video on the sidebar to see how Google can look up a number or business for you totally free and will even text you a map showing you directions how to get there. Pretty cool if you ask me! Technology...you gotta love it!

Finally Friday...

2009-02-13T21:19:00.003-05:00

This is one of my all time fav photos taken at Disney a couple of years ago...my little mouseketeers were so sweet during that trip. They were so excited, you could often find them hugging each other and holding hands. Unfortunately, when the "Disney Magic" wore off so did the hugging and hand holding!

This week we have been recovering from sickness (the girls) going to sewing class, I had a birthday unfortunately my sweet hubby was out of town the day before of the day of my birthday, so I found it rather boring and slightly depressing. I miss my sweetie when he is not here.

This year he got me very practical gifts...a new 19" computer monitor as I gotten use to two monitors and my other one decided to give up the ghost. Today for Valentines Day he got me a carpet cleaner...not that I really want a carpet cleaner because I hate using them, but I thought it might be more economical than having them cleaned.

The girls started back to TaeKwonDo last week; they had been out for about 9 months and I think they were ready to get back into the groove. Daniel started taking it with them and they really enjoy that. They also have some more homeschool friends in the group so that makes things much more fun. It is much more fun to "ninjer" together!

window frost

2009-02-01T22:08:00.001-05:00

window frost 3, originally uploaded by Miss Plum.

I ran across this photo today on flickr and I thought it was awesome. I remember when I lived at home and it would be cold enough to make frost on the inside of the window and I would scrape it off with my fingernail...but this is awesome. I guess I was just too cold to realize the beauty of frost back then!

Winter Wonderland

2009-01-19T21:12:00.005-05:00

Finally we got some significant snow!!! I love the snow but hate getting out in it to go anywhere. I love staying at home snuggled up with a cozy blanket with the girls and animals on the bed doing school. I am also very thankful to my sweet husband that DOES brave the weather and goes out into the cold and snow to earn a living so that I can stay home with our girls. Thank you sweetie!

All though this picture could be considered morbid, I think the graveyard makes an awesome picture. It just seems to express how cold and still everything is...

Then you have someone that LOVES the cold and snow...our Siberian Husky Sigma!!! She loves playing in the snow and bounces around like a kangaroo waiting for the girls to come out and play with her.

Oddly enough, this is my lilac bush. It has old blossoms as well as new buds coming...a haven for the birds.

Dust of Snow
by Robert Frost (1923)

The way a crow

Shook down on me

The dust of snow

From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart

A change of mood

And saved some part

Of a day I had rued.

Lonesome Berry

2009-01-19T20:40:00.001-05:00

Lonesome Berry, originally uploaded by rickotto62.

The beauty of winter snow...

Hannah Belle meets Anna Belle

2008-12-31T11:28:00.002-05:00

This is Hannah on Christmas Eve at Papaw and Granny's house. This was the first time she has ever stayed overnight at anyone's home. She did really well, and totally enjoyed herself even though she was a bit scared to go upstairs (Daniel had to carry her).

The next morning she met "Einstein" a new puppy that our nephew Jacob got for Christmas. My "future vet", Cam discovered that "Einstein" is not a boy...but a girl. Anthony had her for a couple of weeks before Christmas but was TOLD it was a boy dog...not! So now "Einstein" is now called "AnnaBelle". This is kind of funny as he also had a boy cat named "Gracie"! I guess some people just have a hard time with dog/cat anatomy! Sorry Anthony, had to tell it!!!

The Wonderful Logic of Pooh

2008-12-31T11:08:00.003-05:00

“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.”

To my sweet Daniel (whom will probably never read this). I love you! Happy New Year...I hope we spend 100 or more together!

Joy to the World by Nick Jonas

2008-12-25T10:43:00.003-05:00

This is a song and video by Nick Jonas written and recorded when he was just a young boy. It was his first recording...it was not as popular as some of his songs now...but a FANTASTIC song! Hope you enjoy it! Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-23T17:07:00.005-05:00

What a busy season!!! I would love to update my blog but I do not have time...so I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful Happy New Year!!!

glitter-graphics.com

Christmas '08

2008-11-29T14:14:00.002-05:00

Here are a few pics of my tree this year. I went with the country theme...much to my girls chagrin. They wanted their usual ornaments...Mickey, Pooh...I let them chose a few of their favorites and hung them on the back and side of the tree. That actually worked great, they got the tree they wanted and so did I.

I used a twig star filled with apples, pip berries, and pine cones. We made some really cute ornaments out of clear glass balls and filled them with potpourri, tinsel and various other things. We then hung raffia like you normally would tinsel. I thought it turned out pretty cute!

Cinnamon Sticks tied with Raffia.

I found these adorable ornaments at the Dollar Tree, as well as the other red glittery ornaments.

It looks really pretty with the lights off...

We still used our traditional "toys" under the tree. I don' think the girls will ever outgrow doing that. I still can't find my box of snowmen, they have been missing for two Christmas' now. I think they have gone AWOL.

Halloween Party '08

2008-11-10T11:00:00.008-05:00

Finally, I am getting around to post about our fabulous Halloween Party. We had family and a few friends over and had a costume party, tons of good food, a bonfire complete with s'mores and a hayride.

Pasta Spider Alfredo

Our little ghost that sings "I Want Candy!"

Snicker-doodles with extra cinnamon and sugar.

Gilligan - aka My little Buddy

Moi as the Skipper.

Cake made a lovely Mary Ann

Sweet Mary Ann

Cam decided to be a "dark" haired Ginger.

Always an actress...

My great-niece Britt, as a Witch Doctor (think the Alvin and the Chipmunks song... I called the Witch Doctor)

My Niece Sherry blew in as "Tropical Depression Prozac"

Chels as a gorgeous pirate (which is what I wanted to be!!)

We were honored to even have a few dignitaries among us. Candidates Barack Obama and Sarah Palin did some campaigning. Apparently, Barack did more than Sarah thought he did that night!

President Elect Barack Obama (aka Chuck C.)

The Lovely Sarah Palin (aka Denise C.) You Bet'cha!!!!

Cam looks so grown up in this pic, I imagine this is how she will look when she is older.

My little bookworm finally put down her book long enough for a pic or two, not as many as Cam though...

Cam is the ham of the family...always ready for a photo.

Which Witch is Which?

Beach Pictures

2008-11-07T19:41:00.004-05:00

These pics were taken at Pawley's Island. It has a wonderful beach, very private.

Dan the Man

Check out this house on the other side of the little river that runs into the ocean.

Dano exploring a sand bar.

It was pretty windy that day, not cold though, and the ocean was throwing up all of this sea foam and then it would blow into the wind like a kid blowing bubbles.

I love pics of sea oats and fences...

The ocean as the backdrop...

The waves were pretty big this day.

Loved the waves splashing up on this huge rock.

Love to see fishermen. Daniel tried fishing one morning - but no luck that day.

My Sweetie...I love you more than there are grains of sand in the ocean!

The Beach Trip - Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse

2008-11-07T18:33:00.006-05:00

Well, I has definitely taken me a while to get around to posting my recent activities. I decided to start with the beach trip that Daniel and I went on a couple of weeks ago. This was, believe it or not, without the girls along. We left on Thursday and came back on Sunday; not a terribly long vacation but definitely a nice long weekend.

We stayed at a nice motel, and this time of year you can get a really great rate. We had an oceanfront room efficiency (not that we cooked)that was only about $40.00 or so a night. I am sure at peak season it would have been triple that amount, so there is some advantage to going in the Fall if you are not just going to lie on the beach like in the summer.

We had some friends down there as well as it was a business/pleasure weekend. We went to dinner with about 7 of them one night. We went to this place (similar)that Daniel had gone to in Orlando. He went to this Brazilian Steakhouse called Texas de Brazil. This one in Myrtle Beach is called Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse. I will tell you upfront that Daniel says the one in Orlando is better, but I thought this one was pretty darn good.

This is the one that starts the food frenzy!

Green for Go...

They had marvelous cheeses, crisp bacon, fresh mozzarella and tomato salad, hearts of palm, sushi. Oh yeah, that was my salad plate. Also, the had the best potato salad - yummy!

Don't even bother asking for A1 steak sauce no matter how much you like it...

Here is just the first few minutes after they started serving the steak. It was all a blur after that...kidding!

It is fabulous, all you can eat and mind you, I do not mean like Golden Corral. You are seated at the table and you have a coaster that has a red side and a green side, as in green for go, red for stop. You turn your coaster to green when you want them to start bringing by the meat. This is served by Brazilian Gauchos, which looked so cute in their outfits, they carry these sword type things with steak and other types of meat skewered to it. When you are on the green side they will stop by your table and ask if you want to try some of the "leg of lamb" for instance. They will continually bring different meats by your table until you turn the coaster to red...you have to do this so you can eat because they are at your side nonstop. That includes the guy refilling your drink...not once did I have to ask for a refill.

Red for Stop! I am FULL...

These "gauchos" had the cutest pants. They were pleated all of the way around and then they got real narrow and was tucked into tall black boots. Really cool pants!

This was our waiter. He was great, glasses were never empty, plates removed every few minutes. After we finished eating he loaded EVERY plate, silverware, napkins onto his tray. Not one thing remained on the table and then he said "Now take the picture"! He said he has dropped on loaded with 3o plates before behind someone - but he did great this time! Very impressive!

Check out this lamb chop with mint jelly...My favorite was the garlic encrusted steak called Picanha Com Alho.

This was our gang, excluding David who was taking the picture!

Menu...the only thing not included was dessert...but who could eat it?

The bill for two...? $92.00

The memories - Priceless!!!

Thank you sweetie for taking me!

Happy Halloween from Gilligan's Island

2008-10-31T12:35:00.002-04:00

I guess you can tell from the videos what we are dressing up as for Halloween. Skipper, Gilligan, Mary Ann and a reluctant Ginger (she wants to be a Tango Dancer). Pictures to follow later. Have a fun day, we plan to...we have good friends and family coming over for a party. We will be having a bonfire, make s'mores, going on a hayride and also stopping off at a church for Trunk or Treating - no tricks here. This is just a family tradition dating way back to a time before Halloween became evil. My Mom always bought me a costume, I remember a Casper costume in particular, and we rode to each house as we lived so far away from neighbors. We would Trick or Treat for hours, coming home with a huge paper grocery bag FULL of candy. Nothing evil or wrong with that...just a bunch of kids going to neighbors homes and getting candy. When did Halloween become so evil and bad? Perhaps it was Hollywood's influence, but for us kids in the 70's and 80's it was just a fun time!

Here are some videos for the kids that have never had the privilege of watching Gilligan's Island.

Here is a link that you can watch full episodes on AOL Video.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T10:19:00.002-04:00

Myspace Layouts

It's a Slow Fade... Casting Crowns

2008-10-17T20:49:00.003-04:00

If you have not seen the movie "Fireproof", I strongly encourage you to...this is a fantastic video from Casting Crowns. The song was used in the movie, make sure you read the lyrics as well.

Slow Fade lyrics

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

The Wizard of Oz

2008-10-08T20:02:00.001-04:00

The Wizard of Oz

2008-10-06T19:36:00.002-04:00

We went on a fun little trip this weekend...to see the Wizard!
I do not have my pics ready yet(my flash died so I am going to have to do some tinkering before I can upload them) but we saw all of the characters that you know and love so well.
There use to be a theme park in Beech Mtn. NC called the "Land of Oz" and even though it is closed now, they open it for just two days a year in October. There are always terrible crowds and this is the first year we have ever been able to make it there.
Cake is a huge "Wizard of Oz" fan just like her Granny! I can't wait until you see our pics, especially Daniel in "his" witch hat!
The Cowardly Lion is my favorite! My favorite line is ..."I will fight you...I will fight you with one hand behind my back". Gotta love the lion!

Treasure Island, Florida Day 11

2008-09-25T19:51:00.004-04:00

Treasure Island Florida

Cake's 11th Birthday

This was the most wonderful place to collect shells. We found two "live" Sea Urchins...

This little guy was hiding in a shell, we thought it was a hermit crab and it was an Octopus!!

BTW that is not Daniel's belly - another guy found it and was holding it for us.

We also found tons of clam shells with the clams intact, and also a Conch shell with a conch still it. Words of Wisdom - Do not try to microwave a Conch shell in order to get out the conch...yes it will explode - not the shell - the conch! Blame that one on my niece's husband!!

The beach was literally littered with these shell, some empty and some still with the critter inside. I never did find out exactly what they were...looked like some kind of mussel. The beach as far as you could see had a row of these that the tide had brought in. You could also see them still swimming in the surf.

Tons of shells to sift through...some were really good perfect shells, the fancy kind you find in gift shops, others were the scallop or cockle shells. I wish I had a container and I would have brought home a ton for crafts. The look so pretty in a glass vase, glued to picture frames or mirrors. We were not really planning on stopping at the beach so we were not prepared to find shells. Sometimes at Myrtle Beach we will search for hours and not find one good shell. This is a wonderful place to go shelling!

Afternoon Tea

2008-09-23T23:52:00.006-04:00

~ Camilla Rose Tea Room ~

Sign wishing Kaitlyn Happy Birthday!

After spending a wonderful day at the beach shelling on Treasure Island, we went back to my niece Lynette's house. We had birthday cupcakes, wonderful "Hungry Howie's"pizza (we just discovered this - yummy) for Cake's 11th birthday.
The next day was "Girl's Day Out". Lynette made reservations for us at a tea room in Plant City called Camellia Rose . (Make sure you visit their website to see all they have to offer). What a special day...first of all we got to spend it with my sweet niece Lynette that moved away from us when she got married (still grieving over that one and it has been over 15 years). Second, she has three boys so she never gets to do anything "girly" so we had a wonderful time.

When you go into this lovely tea room the table is already set for you, with a hat in the chair. What fun trying on these hats as they were so beautiful (yes Denise I know you are dying... lol). They bring around all of these different teas for you to sniff and see which one you like best. They have a Birthday Tea, but Cake chose Blueberry Sundae Tea, I chose Hibiscus Punch but ended up trading with Cake as she preferred mine. Lynette chose a tea that I thought tasted like Russian Tea, some kind of Spice.

Cam - was sick. She sat with her head on the table and did not eat or drink anything or even try on a hat. The waitress brought her some ginger ale and I had her go sit on the sofa and rest. Poor Child!

Cam managing a smile even though she was feeling bad...

Check out this hat!!!

Cake normally hates tea and will not drink it if she is thirsting to death, but since this was such a fancy occasion she tried it and after sampling mine - she loved it! She actually bought some Hibiscus Punch, the Amber Crystals (which is the sugar) and some little tea bags. When we came home she had her own little tea party...

The had these wonderful little chicken salad sandwiches, turkey sandwiches with the most wonderful cranberry dressing (had a sweet taste). There were scones with Devon Creme, and a tray of desserts that was beyond yummy!

Cake sampling her birthday cake, kind of looked like a Lava Meltdown.

My Lovely niece, Lynette...as beautiful inside as outside. Talented singer and pianist.

Just one of the beautiful displays...

Lovely Tea Sets

One of the few pics you will see of me!!

Gaylord Face Painting

2008-09-23T23:32:00.001-04:00

We went to Sunset Sam's Fish Camp in the Key West section and they offered face painting for the kids, as well as balloon "thingy's". Cam wanted a full face tiger...

I thought the lady did a fantastic job...best thing is that it was complimentary (we tipped of course).
Ask me how long it took to get that off...?
Cake had a lovely floral design all the way down her arm from shoulder to wrist.
This was done while we were in the middle of an actual tornado warning!!

Gaylord Palms - Momma's Vacation!!

2008-09-23T23:19:00.002-04:00

I love this place...if only the food was not sp expensive I would never leave! This is the kind of place that makes you read the menu right to left (price vs food choice).
This is actually the day we were leaving so I am a bit out of sequence.
Overlooking the fish and alligators...
Drama Queen - Duh!!
Yin and Yan!

Rainforest Cafe - Orlando

2008-09-23T21:40:00.002-04:00

Cake with homeschool friends also in Fl
Cam
Cake with birthday "cake" called a Volcano.
Yum-O
Cam eating dirt and worms - can you tell?

Daytona Beach Day 1 of 15

2008-09-23T21:32:00.002-04:00

Cake
Cam
Waves from Tropical Storm Hanna
Unsuspecting...
'Nuff Said!!

Gaylord Palms Florida

2008-09-10T17:50:00.003-04:00

Alligators at the Everglades section
I love this area...

Grunts...

Catfish

Koi
My sweetie - exhausted after a day or swimming...
They get so tired...
They are so sweet when asleep!

Now is that a cool pool or what??
This is an awesome pool!!!

More Sea World -Seals & Sea Lions

2008-09-10T17:35:00.002-04:00

Cute and Hairy...twins??

Sea World Pirate Show

2008-09-10T17:19:00.003-04:00

This was a cute show as well...they had a few re-takes which made it even funnier! Make sure you arrive in time to see the Mime show before this one starts..hilarious!

Sea World

2008-09-10T16:35:00.004-04:00

Thought you might want to see what we took to Florida...only thing that would hold all of our luggage!
Blue Horizons show at Sea World ...
Awesome dolphins...
Beautiful...
Check this out!

Jet ski's???

What's up with us...?

2008-09-09T15:40:00.003-04:00

Finally found time to blog about what we have been doing...first night we stayed in Daytona Beach and played in the sand and sun all day, waves were pretty cool thanks to Hanna recently passing through.

Next day we went to SeaWorld...we did a partial visit as we will be coming back for a couple of days on our way back home. We mostly saw the shows, which I love, we did not see the Shamu show yet but we saw Blue Horizons and the Pirate Show, both are great.

We then checked into the Gaylord Palms where we will be staying the rest of the week. Yesterday we spent some time at the pool and then exploring; sometimes exploring means "this place is so huge, I am really lost but do not want to tell anyone". We are in the Everglades section this year so we are right here with the alligators. They have a feeding show tonight so we may go to that before we go to eat at a place called Gator Dockside.

Today was spent at the pool...we spent several hours there. It is a really great pool with a huge octupus that sprays water and tons of other play areas. I will try to post some pics when I download them to my laptop.

Tomorrow will probably be another day at the pool and dining on our own as Daniel has a business dinner. We may do room service which the girls love or one of the many restaurants in the hotel (that is if we have an arm and leg to pay the bill with). Restaurants are expensive here!! To give you an idea of the prices, the Coke machine does not take money...only room charges and credit cards, but considering I paid $1.69 each for two cups (coffee cup size) of water at SeaWorld that might not be that expensive!

Gaylord Palms Florida

2008-09-05T01:05:00.006-04:00

Emerald Bay Rooms
Key West Rooms
Everglades Rooms
St. Augustine Rooms - This is the room we stayed in.
Great Pools...

St. Augustine Area of Hotel
I think this was in the Key West section...they had all kind of cool floral arrangements like this.

Alligators in the Everglades section..Daniel playing with the fish, they would come right up and nibble your finger! My Man, Dan...

Camerasaurus (there really is a dinosaur by that name)
Cakelyn (Cam use to call her that)
Can you believe all of this is actually under a glass dome, something like 4 1/2 acres, and all of it is air conditioned. It is 70 degrees inside and you think you are outside because there are so many shops and sidewalks, restaurants, cafe, shops...It is really a cool place to stay!

This is a few pic of the Gaylord Palms Florida that we stayed at last year. We went on a tour of their MASSIVE kitchen, with a couple of other homeschool friends. We are packed and almost ready to head out again. Wonder what kind of tour we can come up with this year? Hope Hurricane Ike does not interfere with our plans for Busch Gardens and Sea World, if so we will just have to enjoy the wonderful hotel and then head on home after Daniel's conference. He is so sweet to take us...I know it would be less headache for him if we stayed at home. He is such a good Dad and Hubby!

Spiderwebs and Birthdays - go figure!

2008-09-05T00:32:00.003-04:00

I loved this picture that we took at Wonderworks right outside the front entrance. A spiderweb is a misty fog with the dew settled on it. Where's Charlotte?
A view from Watauga Lake at Shook Branch.
Daniel's family met us at the lake for a cookout for his mom's 60th birthday.
I did not think Granny would ride the jet ski, but she did... Wonder why she rode with Anthony instead of Daniel??? Could it be because he is a maniac?? Nah...This is Scharee, whom we call "Granny", she is a wonderful Mother, Mother-in-law and Granny!

Happy Birthday, Granny! We all love you!!

First Date of Many...? Time to Set Priorities

2008-08-21T11:10:00.006-04:00

Last night Daniel and I went on our First Date of Many...we have been married for 15 years and after the girls came along we started taking them along on Anniversary dinners...all those special occasions. Now that they have gotten a bit older, we have come to realize that even though we have Family Night (sometimes several in a week) we need to have a Date Night, just the two of us. So to make sure this happens I got Daniel phone and plugged in dates every week for the next year (with a reminder as well).

Last night we went to the movies and saw Mummy 3. Daniel has always liked these movies and loves the ride at Universal Studios; I thought it was a good movies, but he actually preferred the Mummy 1 or 2 better. It was a bit weird seeing Brandon Fraser with a grown son, perhaps it makes us feel older...The effects were really good as usual, the Yeti were pretty cool. There is so much CG in movies now you cannot tell what is real and what if computer generated. They use to cast a multitude of extras for armies, crowds, that kind of thing now they just use a few and duplicate them or not even use real people at all - just CG. Some times it is so real I have to ask Daniel "how did they do that" and he will say "You're kidding, you know that is not real. right?" I feel like a dummy then! Here is a timeline of the Great Wall, and how actually the movie was based a lot on fact, much more than I thought. Good Homeschool Resource...

We saw previews of a really good upcoming movie called Fireproof: Never Leave your Partner Behind, it stars Kirk Cameron as a firefighter, but the whole gist of the movie is about his relationship with his wife. I just went to the website and they have tons of stuff to help promote the movie, which is apparently Christian based.The songs are by Third Day, Casting Crowns...I honestly started crying just seeing the previews. Marriage relationships are so fragile, they are so easily abused, neglected, and often abandoned...you have to work on your relationship with your husband or wife on a daily basis; it is our goal to work on ours continually making it stronger each year!

I bought a book just yesterday entitled "The Five Love Needs of Men and Women" by Gary & Barbra Rosberg, you can read several pages of the book in the above link. It is a great relationship book and I hope to have it read by the weekend and can share it with you. My niece Lynette and her hubby went to "A Weekend to Remember" Conference not long ago and they highly recommended it to Daniel and I when they were visiting, so we plan on attending one in October. Let you know how it goes...

Old Fashion Punishment - Colonial Style

2008-08-18T21:51:00.001-04:00

I loved this picture taken at Williamsburg...it fits my girls so well.

This is Cake's crime...an untidy chamber...

Cam's crime...for talking all the time...

Bob the Tomato!

This was a double decker tomato we grew and the girls just added one for the head and some eyes and mouth.

Homeschool Camping Trip 3

2008-08-18T21:42:00.001-04:00

Hannah Belle - Vicious Guard Dog - Yeah Right!

Cake listening intently to Park Ranger Lauren

The Raccoon that ALMOST came into the camper that night while Daniel was taking their picture; he came right up to the door and tried to come in ...

Our friend Allie...

Homeschool Camping Trip

2008-08-18T19:44:00.003-04:00

Hannah is exhausted...camping wears her out.

I thought this was the cutest picture of these two little girls leaning over the picnic table with Hannah our dog, with all three of their tales up in the air.

Click on any of these pictures to enlarge the collage.

Homeschool Best of the Web Links Week 1

2008-08-11T11:05:00.003-04:00

I am mostly putting these links here because I plan on using them this year and then I won't lose them like I usually do. All of these are really great websites...includes Bible, History, Science, Spelling and all of them are free!

http://homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/

You have to get this freebie EVERY day before it expires! Good for one day only!

http://www.truthquesthistory.com/howtochoose.php

Good History Curriculum

http://charlottemason.tripod.com/nature.html

Wonderful Website on Charlotte Mason Method of Teaching

http://www.pennygardner.com/index.html

Another Charlotte Mason Website

http://www.spellingcity.com/2.html

Wonderful Website for Online Spelling Curriculum

http://www.ourlosbanos.com/homeschool/index.html

Love this website. A Extensive FREE History and Science Curriculum

http://www.edgezonegames.com/Free_Printable_Bible_Story_Activities.html

Printable Bible Lessons with Worksheets for the New and Old Testament

The Greatest Love of All...

2008-08-08T10:42:00.003-04:00

This is amazing...what talent, more importantly what love!!! Hope you enjoy!

The Dark Knight

2008-07-31T12:09:00.002-04:00

Last night we went to see The Dark Knight, the new Batman movie. It was really good, Daniel, of course, loved it. Cam wimped out because she thought the Joker looked too scary but Cake thought it was good. The Joker really was a bad guy...he did mean stuff just for the heck of it, no real ulterior motive. Jack Nicholson played a much milder, more comical version of The Joker.

Two Face emerges...which is a bit sad, because he really seemed like a nice guy, but losing the love of his life made him bitter and vengeful.

The spoiler...Rachel dies! Both Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent lose her!

Kind of weird ending, would not have been my choice as I do not like to see Batman hunted down for crimes he did not commit, too much like the Incredible Hulk...

Definitely worth seeing, but then again...we are Super Hero Fans!!!

Cam ~ Daughter of the King

2008-07-26T11:20:00.000-04:00

Glamour Girls

2008-07-26T10:58:00.000-04:00

These were taken the night they went to see High School Musical on Ice with their Aunt Linda. She took them to Libby Lu for a makeover prior to the show. She spoils them terribly!!

Cake - My Little Ladybug

2008-07-26T10:53:00.001-04:00

BigIQkids.com - Where it's cool to be smart!

2008-07-24T21:37:00.000-04:00

BigIQkids.com - Where it's cool to be smart!

My Sweet Hubby's 35th Birthday

2008-07-24T13:05:00.005-04:00

This was taken last year on our way to Florida...we stopped at St. Simons Island...beware of the "love bugs"!
Spotting dolphins with the girls at St. Simons Island...

Camping at Crazy Horse Campground in Gatlinburg area...Note the morning cup of coffee and sleepy eyes! He loves to camp and makes the most awesome breakfasts'.
Santa thought a Go-Cart was too much to bring for Cam for Christmas but nothing was too good for Daddy's little girl (that is actually Cake but was a better picture of Daniel). A new toy for both, er. make that 3 kids to enjoy.
Mr. Incredible at Disney...doesn't that background look like a real street in San Francisco? It's a painting like they use in the movies.

What a difficult job finding a serious photo of my sweetie...while always with us he seems to always be out of camera shot. Here are my favorite ones from a couple of Halloween's ago when we dressed up like the X-Men. He completely designed and made his entire costume. He worked on it for weeks making it as well as growing his hair and beard for the full effect. He trimmed his beard on Halloween day so he only had one shot at getting the beard just right. I think he did an awesome job!! So sexy!!!

X-Men Wolverine

He made those claws himself...

One must dress the part, cigar and all...

Maybe this year he will be Batman...whatever he chooses he will always be "Larger than Life", a true Super Hero to our family. We love you very much...you are so much fun...what a great Dad for two kids to have...always some one to play with.

Fantastic Husband, Fabulous Dad, Caring Son, Wonderful Friend, Great Brother & Brother-in-Law ~ You are the Best and we are very grateful God has placed you in our life!!

Busch Gardens Rollercoasters

2008-07-24T12:53:00.003-04:00

NO...I did not ride any of them!!! Daniel and Cake rode most everything, Cam rode the smaller rides and a couple of the bigger ones. Busch Garden is definitely for he more adventurous...Disney is more my speed with the gentle rides. My absolute favorite when it is hot outside is the cool air conditioned Pooh ride, it is so relaxing and restful; I could ride it non-stop! My gang had a good time though and that is all that matters. I did enjoy Water Country USA though, it was so hot the water was like a very warm shower, not cool at all, which would have been refreshing. They had some really good play areas even if you did not do the slides. I stayed in the water most of the time as it was so very hot. Very enjoyable though!

Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg

2008-07-24T12:40:00.003-04:00

We had the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Williamsburg, VA this past week. We bought a two year season pass so that we can visit both Williamsburg, and Busch Gardens Tampa and Seaworld as we always go to Florida in the Fall after school starts back for public school students. The parks are much less crowded then...

We did not get to do that much in Colonial Williamsburg as we only had two and half days to spend there (we saved a tremendous amount of money but making Williamsburg our home theme park but had to buy tickets there - thus the short trip). We spent the first day at Busch Gardens and the second day at Water Country USA. We have been to Disney when it was in the upper 90's but it was 102 degrees at Busch Gardens and that did not factor in the heat index or the fact that is was on pavement. I cannot imagine what the temp actually was, but I can assure you it was HOT!

I am sure the Spring and Fall are wonderful times to go there, and even though Busch Gardens is closed in the Winter, Colonial Williamsburg really puts on the show with their Colonial Christmas. I hope we are able to go back then...

wii

2008-07-16T18:20:00.002-04:00

I am posting from our wii

Fairy Tales and Princesses

2008-07-13T15:35:00.002-04:00

My sweet little Cake, almost 11 now, and still loves Fairy Tales and Princesses. Some of her favorites are Disney Princesses, Princess Diaries, Ella Enchanted...She loves the books by Gail Carson Levine...Ever, Fairest, Fairy Dust, Fairy Haven. She literally reads for hours on end every single day. You are a Princess because you are a Daughter of the King!

Baby Cam

2008-07-11T00:52:00.002-04:00

My, how the years have flown by...it seems just yesterday you were but a babe!

Now you are 9 and in the 4th grade...will you always be my baby??

I love you, sunshine!

4th of July Fireworks

2008-07-10T18:25:00.000-04:00

American Girl goes to the Movies - Kit

2008-07-10T15:45:00.003-04:00

Cake with Molly & Emily
Cam with Jessie
Molly, Emily & Jessie watching the Kit movie.
They even brought little popcorn buckets and A& W cups for them!

Here are a few pics from when the girls went to see Kit Kittredge - An American Girl movie. Kit is set during the depression and we thought it was probably the BEST American Girl movie yet! The girls brought a few of their other American Girl dolls to watch the movie with them. Attending was Cake and Cam, Mom and Dad, Molly and Emily and Jessie.

The girls all wore their American Girl Place shirts that Dad brought them back from Chicago. What a sweet daddy...we could not go and he knew how much the would love the American Girl Place so he went there and bought them a few things and took lots of pictures for them. He even proudly carried the American Girl bags through the airport so they would not get smashed in his luggage...he is just too sweet for words!!

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T20:06:00.001-04:00

Colonial Collage

2008-07-04T19:24:00.000-04:00

Carter Mansion Garden

2008-07-04T15:02:00.003-04:00

Colonial Kids

2008-07-04T14:06:00.004-04:00

The girls and friends Chelsi and Caleb attended a special day camp at Carter Mansion. This camp was from 9:00-5:00 and included such wonderful character building tasks such as; bean picking, corn shucking, food preparation. The kids got to harvest their food from the garden, prepare and eat it. They had a snack of parched corn and watermelon. Cam and Caleb volunteered to dress up in the tradional colonial attire (even though it was a bit large for them). They both looked adorable - sorry Caleb but you did!

Cam and Chelsi were dirty as little ragamuffins when the day was over but Cake managed to stay clean but boy were they tired!! I thought it was a great experience for them...so much better than the history books we use!!

Appalachian Caverns

2008-07-04T13:41:00.003-04:00

Here are my pics of Appalachian Caverns. It is about 60 degrees year round inside the cavern. We only saw a few bats but apparently the caverns are home to thousands of bats as well as one "shadow rat". (inside story)

We had a great time, it was not a tedious climb or descent like some caverns are. I will remember to bring a towel or baby wipe next time as the railings are rather damp and muddy. The bottom photo is of a cave pearl which forms in limestone caverns.

Then Cam...

2008-06-19T13:00:00.003-04:00

Then along came Cam, my little energizer bunny! What a joy, never a dull moment when she is around! I love you sweetie!

First Cake...

2008-06-17T12:04:00.002-04:00

Here's a picture of my sweet Cake...How time flies...seems like just yesterday I was bringing her home from the hospital and so scared being a new Momma! I love you Sweetie!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-14T23:21:00.003-04:00

Wishing my sweet Hubby a very happy Father's Day! You are the best Dad and we appreciate all that you do. You are the cat's meow, the cream of the crop, the cream filling in a chocolate covered cream filled Krispy Kreme Donut!!! We love you so much, thanks for being YOU!!

Love,

Your Girls

9th Birthday

2008-06-08T07:18:00.003-04:00

A special gift from a special person...Denise over at Tucked Inside My Heart made this lovely scrapbook page and attached it to Cam's gift bag. She is so very creative and just the most thoughtful person ever. How we blessed to have her and her family as friends, we have just the best time when we are together.

Cam had a wonderful birthday with lots of friends, family, pizza, ice cream cake, gifts and a magic show by the Awesome Jeremy!

My Sweetie's 9th Birthday

2008-06-04T09:07:00.003-04:00

Cam dressed up as Storm from X-Men on Halloween
My Sweetie sleeping so peacefully...
Sitting pretty on a rock on a camping trip last year.
Cake & Cam

God blessed me with not just one but two beautiful daughters that I have the blessing and privilege of raising. He has allowed me to stay home with them since they were born and they have never had to go to a daycare for even one day. He then blessed me with the desire and freedom to homeschool them. Our days are full of precious things we do together as a family and we are making many happy memories for them to pass on to their children.

They have a most awesome father that does so much for them and with them. He is such a child himself (like Peter Pan) that refuses to grow up, so that makes it so much more fun for them.

Thanks be to God for my beautiful children, I pray that they will always put Christ first in their lives and that they will live their lives as a testimony to HIM.

Thank you Cam for being such a joy, I love you and I am so glad you are mine.

Thank you Daniel for being such a good provider and father, you are the best.

Thank you Cake for being such a delightful child, I love you and all the differences between you and Cam. You two are definitely not cookie cutter children! You are both unique and I love you all very much. I am most blessed among women...

Anniversary Part 2

2008-05-09T10:05:00.008-04:00

We had a wonderful anniversary "date" last night. Honestly, we usually take the girls with us where ever we go...whether out to dinner, or a movie or a short trip out of town. Last night, it was just the two of us.

My sister took the girls to Libby Lu for makeovers (again!!!) and then on to a performance of High School Musical on Ice. They had a great time...my sister was exhausted by the time it was over though. (More on that and pics later).

Daniel had a seminar he was presenting yesterday, so I barely spoke to him until he came home. I did call him the day before to "confirm" that we were not buying gifts this year as we are taking a vacation to Williamsburg in a couple of weeks and that is suppose to be our "gift" to each other.

We decided to go to the movies rather than out to dinner (as we eat out way too much...so many friends to socialize with, you know!) We decided to go see Iron Man - as we love Marvel comics! It was a great movie, with a great friend and date.

Before the movies, Daniel gave me a brown paper bag with a last minute gift (so he said). It was a pink bluetooth headset. He had bought him a new one and had bought me one as well. I thanked him as it was a very nice gift and thoughtful gesture and then he said "Well, maybe this is actually your gift". It looked like a electrical supply box, so I thought he had brought me a "freebie" home from work. You know, a pen or mouse...that kind of thing.

It was DIAMOND earrings!!! They were in a beautiful porcelain box. Rounds of thank yous and kisses followed...then...

He said "Well, actually this is your gift..." A ring box...with a beautiful channel set Eternity Band!

Tears...both of us...My sweet, sweet man! 15 years does mean something to him, and I did not even ask or hint for one thing! Makes my anniversary card look rather minuscule compared to his gifts! He can buy that Fly Rod he has been wanting, he deserves it after that!!!

Just wanted to "Share the Love"!!

15 Year Wedding Anniversary

2008-05-08T10:14:00.005-04:00

Today is our 15th wedding anniversary. I cannot believe Daniel and I have been married for 15 years!! It seems like just yesterday he proposed to me at Biltmore House and Estates.

What a romantic setting for a marriage proposal...

Daniel with Cake when she was about 4. Yes, he hates the song "Butterfly Kisses". That's Cam in the background with "Papaw", both dancing with their little girls.

Daniel and Cake at his brother's wedding. (Hmmm...that marriage did not last very long - unfortunately).

My all time favorite Halloween picture. Daniel as X-Men's Wolverine. We love to dress up for Halloween and I thought he looked so sexy in this picture!

Daniel this past Halloween as "Robby Ray Cyrus". We did the Hannah Montana theme... We are thinking the "Beverly Hillbillies" for next year. It won't take much effort on our part!!!

What a difficult time I had finding a picture of us together!!! Apparently, I take most of the pictures and Daniel is always with the girls. I don't mind though, he is as wonderful a father as he is a husband. I love him very much and I am blessed to have him in my life.

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart - you are the best!!

2008-04-26T10:27:00.003-04:00

This came in my email today from AOP Daily Focus. I have waited for the perfect opportunity to use these photos and this just fell right into line with it. We took these at Easter at the local Feed Store and they were so adorable.

One of our homeschooling family's favorite spring-time activities was visiting the local feed and seed store to see the new baby chickens and ducks. Every year the store converted several small aluminum water tanks into warm, cozy homes for these little creatures. My children never tired of watching their antics and especially enjoyed their baby peeping noises. As my young daughter leaned over the tank to pet their soft downy feathers, she looked at me with questioning eyes and said, "Mom, can I have one?"

Normally, I would have said no, but this year I sensed the Lord leading in a different direction. Smiling, I said, "Yes, honey, you and your brother can pick one of the baby chicks to take home." My daughter's delight in my reply knew no bounds, and she and her brother set about choosing the perfect new little friend. Before we left the store that day, Hen and Peck were aptly named and adopted into our family.

New life is always a cause for rejoicing, especially when it's in the family of God. Whenever a person repents of their sin and receives new life in Christ, the Bible says the angels rejoice. Imagine, thousands of excited angels shouting and praising the Lord for the new life that has just been recorded in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15). What a glorious time that must be!

As a Christian homeschooling parent, you have the wonderful privilege and responsibility to lead your baby "chicks" to the Lord. Every Bible lesson, Scripture verse, and godly character trait that you teach your child leads to the moment when they, too, are born again into God's family. When the Holy Spirit convicts and your child prays, "Lord, forgive me. I'm a sinner," a new life in Christ begins. However, one question remains-who will be rejoicing the most, you or the angels in heaven?

Father,Thank You for the awesome responsibility and joy of teaching my children about Your forgiving love. Please touch their hearts with the conviction of the Holy Spirit so they too will experience the joy of a new life in You. In the saving name of Jesus, Amen.

Source: AOP Daily Focus

Job Title

2008-04-03T09:19:00.001-04:00

JUST A MUM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the Motor Registration office,
Was asked by the counter clerk to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
'What I mean is,' explained the counter clerk,
'do you have a job or are you just a ..?'
'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.
'I'm a Mum.'
'We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,'
Said the clerk emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Medicare office.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'
'What is your occupation?' she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.'
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and Looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, In bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest, 'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
And already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
And I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are
More of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
Completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
Testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum.' Motherhood!

What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door

Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
'Associate Research Assistants.'

Snow Fur Babies

2008-03-15T19:28:00.006-04:00

Hannah Belle Velvet Ears

Hannah and Sigma

Hannah (Cam's Beagle)

Sigma (Siberian Husky)

Pictures of our dogs in the snow. Sigma, the Husky loves...loves... loves the snow!

Hannah does not like the cold, but she loves when it starts snowing and she can play with Sigma.

Look at them eyes!!

Skiing in NC

2008-03-15T18:35:00.013-04:00

This is from our ski trip to Sugar Mtn. NC. We went a couple of times; once was freezing cold and when we went this week the temp was about 60 degrees. Much more enjoyable for the bystanders such as myself. The girls did great this time; they only spent a few minutes on the bunny slope, and I don't think they fell more than 4 times each all day!! Daniel spent half of the day on the phone, he is a multi-tasker!

Hannah's First Birthday "Party"

2008-02-20T19:18:00.004-05:00

Here are some photo's from Hannah's Birthday. She is one year old today... Cake and Cam decided to make her some "pupcakes" and then frosted them with peanut butter...If you have ever given a dog peanut butter you will understand why the tongue is out in all of these pictures!!

She looks like "The Dog" in this one.

This is the finished product...this one makes Hannah look like a minature dog...This is Sigma, our Siberian Husky (look at those pretty blue eyes).

Hannah with cupcake...Hannah and Sigma chowing down...Cam making the cupcakes.

Happy Birthday to Hannah Belle Velvet Ears 2/20/08

2008-02-19T17:14:00.006-05:00

Tomorrow is Miss Hannah Belle Velvet Ears 1st BirthdayHannah is Cam's Beagle - that is all she wanted for her 8th birthday!

This is Hannah with "Buggy", her first and still favorite toy...

Are those beautiful eyes or what?? And she earns her name Velvet Ears...they are so soft, you just want to rub them all the time.

Here is Hannah at Christmas in her Santa outfit that her "Aunt Gayle" bought her.

Bless her heart...we dress her up in all kinds of foolish attire! She is a good sport though, she tolerates most anything we do to her. Last week we took her and got her a bath, and the Spa treatment...and even her nails painted. Unfortunately, the polish lasted about as long as mine does!!

Happy Birthday Hannah, we love you!!

Tonsilitis?

2008-02-18T22:57:00.004-05:00

Here's a picture of Cam's tongue and a bit of her throat. Her tonsils are so swollen that they are almost touching in the middle - they also have huge white ulcers on them. Unfortunately, her Pediatrician would not call her in an antibiotic (I discovered her throat condition right at 5:00 p.m.). She had the nurse tell me to just keep her on the Tamiflu for a couple more days. She did not ask her to come in the next day or if I felt it was necessary to take her to the emergency room.

Sorry the photos are not any better, she could not get her mouth open any farther without gagging because the tonsils and uvula were so swollen.

I am one very upset Momma at the moment. Any Pediatrician recommendations???

The Lazarus Experiment

2008-02-18T15:30:00.005-05:00

This is a really cool science experiment we did last year in Apologia Science. It is called the "Lazarus Experiment". First you have to catch an insect and drown it (nice, huh!!)

Next, after you are certain it is dead...

you then coat the insect "totally" with salt...

the insect will close its pores against the water and when it is coated with the salt, the salt will draw the water out of the insect and...

Tah dah!!! The insect comes back to life!!

We did the experiment twice with the same insect and it died both times and came back to life two times. We put it in a bug box with some energy drink we sell (XS Energy Drink) after it did not come back from the dead as quickly the second time. Within a few minutes it was hopping around like crazy. Bad part though, we did not take it out of the XS drink overnight and when we checked on it in the morning it had "jumped" it legs off (literally), thus dying a third and final time. What fun we have in science!!!

2008-02-18T15:11:00.002-05:00

Me and my sweetie of 15 years.
Weird picture I know, but I was so pleased with my haircolor I took a picture of it. I have gone to the same hairdresser for 15 years, longer than I have know Daniel. She recently got sick and I have not been to have my hair done by her in about 6 months. I have missed her very much, but do have an appointment with her in 2 weeks - yeah!!
Thought this was a nice photo Daniel took at Natural Tunnel, VA You have to visit there in the fall. It is so beautiful!
Daniel in Boston. The beard is being grown for the Wolverine costume for Halloween.

2008-02-18T14:56:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture of Cake at a Homeschool Meeting when we had old fashion day.
Here is a picture of my baby Cam last year when she was sick. She is sick today with a fever.
Here is the big baby of the family, aptly named "Baby".

2008-02-15T23:29:00.000-05:00

My favorite photo of Daniel

as X-Men's Wolverine

Halloween 2006

Starting New Blog

2008-02-15T21:23:00.005-05:00

Well, I have figured out yet another way to waste a great deal of time...Even though I usually blog at Homeschoolblogger.com/cakeandcam I thought I would try out Blogger one more time. Denise and Tina, it is your fault I am even more unproductive than usual today. Actually, Cam was sick so we did not have much school today. Cake spent her entire day re-reading "The Spiderwick Chronicles" and comparing what was in the books vs what was in the movie. She definitely liked the books better!!

I am going to try to make this just a pictorial journal. I have so many great pictures and never share them with anyone. I am not going to try to make this blog beautiful or anything ( I will really have to control that urge), I simply want somewhere to post my pictures for my family and friends.

Now that I have said that...how do you change this stupid header!!!! I put that sigtag with my name there just to see how large it would be and for the life of me I CANNOT figure out how to remove it!!! I keep clicking the Remove Image link and it will not remove it or allow me to change it...AARRGGH I am not going to be happy not tinkering with this am I???