Funny stuff, baby

I ordered a CD from cdbaby.com for the first time (and that itself is kind of a long story which I will save for later) and they just sent me the email to confirm that it had been shipped. It made me giggle. Please read the following:

Your CD has been gently taken from our CD Baby shelves with sterilized contamination-free gloves and placed onto a satin pillow.
A team of 50 employees inspected your CD and polished it to make sure it was in the best possible condition before mailing.
Our packing specialist from Japan lit a candle and a hush fell over the crowd as he put your CD into the finest gold-lined box that money can buy.
We all had a wonderful celebration afterwards and the whole party marched down the street to the post office where the entire town of Portland waved "Bon Voyage!" to your package, on its way to you, in our private CD Baby jet on this day, September 20, 2010.
We hope you had a wonderful time shopping at CD Baby. In commemoration, we have placed your picture on our wall as "Customer of the Year." We're all exhausted but can't wait for you to come back to CDBABY.COM!!


Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Sigh...
We miss you already. We'll be right here at http://cdbaby.com/, patiently awaiting your return.

This alone makes me want me to order from them again!

House Rules

So we're getting there. We've got several days of school under our belts and we're chugging along.

Now, on to another matter. The HOUSE. Oh, it's bad! In the midst of our busy summer, we've let the house get a bit, uh... out of control. I don't think anyone has done an official chore in months. I mean, people will do stuff when I ask... uh tell them to but there's no order to our "madness." Now it's time to deal with all of that. We've got our scholastic wits about us and are back into the routine.

I was googling some chore charts and ideas and stumbled on a blog that had some house rules and when I started to think about it, dealing with the attitude behind the chores first may be the way to go. I edited those rules and are using them as a starting point. Here they are as they stand now:

Stevens House Rules

1.    Pick up after yourself

2.    No name-calling or mean words

3.    Be respectful of others need for space

4.    Chores and homework must be done before screens

5.    Be positive and supportive of your brothers’ efforts

6.    Manners! “Please” & “Thank You” will take you a long way.

7.    If you say you are BORED – I will find a job for you to do.

 

It's a start. I'm trying to add a little more - maybe make it a nice, even 10.

Thoughts, oh wise friends? What should I add?

Ethics... and things that fall into similar categories

So I'm in a book club with two dear friends (and, quite frankly, we think we're pretty cool) and my next read is due by the end of this month. I feel it necessary to highlight that there are two kinds of readers - book borrowers and book buyers. My sister, for example is a book buyer because she is a re-reader. I am not a re-reader (OK, sometimes I'll read a book more than once, but that's only if it's really good. I figure with the precious little time I have to read, I want to get in as many titles as I can) and therefore am a HUGE fan of the library. I don't even mind a fee once in awhile because I figure I own the library something for its awesomeness. Baltimore County has a fabulous library system. I am indeed enamored with it.

Our book for September is Emily Giffin's Heart of the Matter. I flippin' LOVE Emily Giffin! I just read her Love the One Your With while I was on vacation and it took me all of two days. I can't wait to get my hands on this new one.

Here's the problem - because it's a new book and because it's filled with Ms. Giffin's fabulousness, I'm like number 3,000,000 on the waiting list to get my paws on it. Here's the dealio, though. I found out another close branch has a large print copy of it available - like NOW!

My question is this - is it unethical or bad form for me to check out the large-print copy when I don't need it (though I am pushing 40 - it's only a matter of time)? What if some older, feeble, optically challenged woman wants to bask in Giffin wonder and I'm reading the LT version? I feel like it's akin to using the handicapped stall in the bathroom.

Thoughts? Permission to proceed?

Homeschooling... so far...

Well, yesterday the big yellow school busses came and took my monkeys away as they do every fall. This year, though, for the first time in about six years, one monkey didn't get on. That part was a little weird but, again, after much prayer, weighing and thought, homeschooling is what we really feel is best for Mr. Micah this year. And, though we're not in full swing until next week, it will be a nice adjustment for him I believe. The very thought of going to middle school was seriously stressing him out. After his declining grades and inability to perform in the classroom well without one-on-one attention, we find ourselves peacefully here.

In the spring, when I started tossing around this idea, I happened upon www.Time4Learning.com. I poked around on the website and read several (almost all positive) reviews on other sites. The monthy price is extremely reasonable and they even offer a two week money back guarantee. Just after Micah's birthday at the end of July, I signed him up to give it a try. I figured this would give us the rest of the summer to figure out if this would be a good fit and give us time to land solidly on what we want to do for school.

The first time we logged on was actually the evening that we had his birthday party - so let me truly set the scene - we had a very fun, busy pool party that ran until about 8:30pm. Needless to say, after cleaning up and all the other nonsense that goes with parties, we were pretty tired! I was so excited to try it out, though, that around 11:30pm, I parked my 11-year-old in front of the computer anyway to see what he thought. The decision was to start with math (math is one of his favorite subjects. He was in GT math in public school last year for 5th grade so I figured it wouldn't be too stressful :-). I gave him a quick tutorial in how to get to his lessons and we clicked to start the math lesson. The loading screen came on - a monkey - and he starts laughing (admittedly, I did too). The lesson launched in about Roman Numerals using animated, cartoon-type characters and he was hooked. The lesson was fairly long and he sat there and did every problem! I did not once have to say, "Come on, keep going, let's just finish." When he was done I asked him how he thought this would be for school and he said, "This is GREAT! I really like it" and not in a say-what-mom-wants-to-get-her-off-my-back way!

We continued lessons (mostly math) that week with the same interest/enthusiasm. The following week, we left for vacation. Fortunately, we had internet access in our condo. Now get this - my son was asking to do lessons while we were on vacation! Yes, my inattentive ADHD son who struggled in school last year was doing school work by choice. Woot woot! He tried some other subjects during this time. He was a little disappointed to find that not every subject has movies and characters - some of it, like History sections, you actually have to read (heaven forbid!) and answer questions, but I assured him we can tackle those together if they get overwhelming. Another thing I really like about it is that when you enroll your child, you have access to not only the grade (s)he is in, but the grades above and below their grade as well (which will work well for my aforementioned GT math student). He also really likes the playground, which is a type of built-in "reward system" that features games, puzzles, etc. They accumulate minutes on the playground by doing lessons and then have a cyber reward for their hard work..

I'm excited about a supplement they offer - Time4Art. I believe once you have had an account for about 30 days, you get access to this too. Check that off of the homeschool checklist!

I've logged on as a parent as well and meandered around. I like that parents can look into the lessons and preview what is coming up. Unfortunately (I think because we did our trial) I didn't do quite as much nosing as I plan to, mostly because we did our trial in the summer and it's... well... summer! I didn't have a need to post to message boards, but I have been on them and read many helpful things. They even group students by state which poses some interesting field trip possibilities.

If you're homeschooling and looking for something from which to base your core or even to supplement what you're already doing, Time4Learning is high on my recommendation list. Check it out!

*I'd like to mention that these opinions all belong to little ol' me. None of this content was written by Time4Learning but the author (moi) was compensated for giving a review.

I remember you like yesterdays...

"Yesterdays"
by Switchfoot

Flowers cut and brought inside
Black cars in a single line
Your family in suits and ties
And you're free

The ache I feel inside
Is where the life has left your eyes
I'm alone for our last goodbye
But you're free

I remember you like yesterday, yesterday
I still can't believe you're gone, oh...
I remember you like yesterday, yesterday
And until I'm with you, I'll carry on

Adrift on your ocean floor
I feel weightless, numb, and sore
A part of you in me is torn
And you're free

I woke from a dream last night
I dreamt that you were by my side
Reminding me I still had life
In me

I'll carry on

Every lament is a love song
Yesterday, yesterday
I still can't believe you're gone
So long my friend, so long

It's been five years since we said an unwilling goodbye to our ten-year-old, Caleb. Of course, we set this day aside to reflect, more than we do in just our daily routine because, honestly, there's still not one single day that goes by that I don't think about him.

After five years, the grieving process gets a little different. I guess the grieving and remembering are more concentrated on days like today, his birthday and Mother's/Father's Day. There are still those random things, though that creep up and kind of nab you when you're not expecting it. Sometimes having to "go there" trashes the rest of my day and sometimes I stumble a bit, get my footing and go on. I suppose it will always be like that.

I don't want it to seem like it's a big inconvenience that I have this in my life, messing up otherwise ideal or perfect days. On the other hand, though, I don't like it. I'll never like the fact that I set the table for five instead of six. I'll never get used to the fact that I should have two boys in high school now instead of one. I hate that my nine-year-old has very fuzzy memories of the brother he lost when he was only four. There's nothing about losing my son that is fair or that I like.

But when I stop and breathe in and stop banging my fists, there is this standstill peace that God is still in control. I have no choice but to trust Him until we're done here on this side of eternity and I can see my son again and thank my God for not giving me more than I could handle without His strength (though it didn't always feel like it) and I suppose maybe I'll know why. But I might not.

So today, I blog as a huge part of my process, and we Stevens will cling as we remember and continue to process our loss and heaven's gain.

Do me a favor though? Just love on those kids of yours. Not out of fear of what you could lose. but just because God put them there.

Back on the homeschool trail...

Well, education is always an interesting road. I've always believed that each year is different for each kid. Years ago, we felt led to take Joshua and Caleb out of public school and homeschool them for three years. It wasn't necessarily easy to homeschool two elementary-aged boys along with chasing after a pre-schooler and a baby. But overall, it was good. Really good. Looking back, I see God's hand even more in all that because we had no idea those would be our final years with Caleb, and what a blessing it was to spend 24/7 with him the last three years of his young life.

So here we find ourselves again. That aforementioned pre-schooler is now going into middle school. To say that the last few years of school have been enjoyable for him would be a stretch. After noticing that he was really struggling with some things, Mic was diagnosed with ADHD, the inattentive type. To put it generally, he doesn't fit into the school "box" very well. After quite a bit of praying, talking to others, research, schedule juggling, etc. we've made the decision that the middle school experience for Mic will best be served at home.

I'm excited about it. It will be a challenge, but the idea of allowing him to explore and learn in his own unique style is exciting. The resources available on the internet now (verses nine years ago) offer us so much more. I'm thinking about using www.Time4Learning.com as his core since it goes all the way through 8th grade and offers all subjects. On that note, I’ve been invited to try Time4Learning’s online curriculum for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own so be sure to come back and read my experience with Time4Learning’s educational program. Click to find out more or if you would like to apply to be considered for a review.

I'm also excited and encouraged about the other homeschool moms in the area that are on this same journey. Some of us have gotten together, just to pick each other's brains. We're actually getting together again this week.

SO... stay tuned. The journey should be interesting...

PS - Oh, and tomorrow is Mic's 11th birthday :-)

Thursday Thirteen #16

I'll keep this simple i.e. random thoughts that run through my mind and eventually congregate into lists. The beauty of a blog, no?

Thirteen Things People Should Try to do on a Daily (or at least semi-regular) Basis

1. Be polite - It's not that hard, people. A please here, a thank you there. Come on now...

2. Make music - whether it's a radio in the kitchen or in a symphony on the stage of a concert hall, give it a shot. I'm blessed enough to have music as my job all day long. Just pick something you like.

3. Laugh - call my friend, Kate, if you encounter any trouble with this one.

4. Own a dog - I've never considered myself to be an "animal person" meaning, I don't have an automatic love for every dog I see, but I love MY dog. He's quite wonderful.

5. Pray - God's there and He's listening.

6. Get pedicures - what a fabulous invention. Despite the scrubby part that really tickles, I love a pedicure. And there's something to be said for beautiful toes.

7. Eat some chocolate - might not be your thing, but I sure like to have a little each day!

8. Read - I've heard it makes you smarter. Just sayin'.

9. Volunteer/Serve - what better way to get your mind off of your own problems than to help take care of someone else's. And you don't get paid. Except you really do.

10. Have a best friend - this was life or death to me in junior high, but I think after 20 plus years, I've gotten this one into perspective. There is such a wonderful thing about having a friend who totally "gets" you. Why not invest a little time into making that a big, wonderful part of your life? If you don't find it right away, it's ok. Keep trying. And why not try to find as many as you can while you're at it?

11. Pay whatever it costs for a haircut you love and makes you look fabulous - I think this one speaks for itself.

12. Sleep on comfortable sheets - I prefer flannel or 100% cotton myself. I'm sure there's some statistic about what percentage of our lives we spend sleeping. Bottom line, I like it. A lot. Might as well be as comfortable as possible.

13. Be free with telling the people you love that you love them - can you really say it too much? Life is short and goes by fast, friends.

Thursday Thirteen Strikes Back (or whatever other sequel you'd like to use)

Ah. My old and dear friend, the Thursday Thirteen. How I've missed you. You're glad to see me. I know, I know. Don't gush and cause a scene and embarrass me...

So as to not strain or pull anything, I'll start with an easy one. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, straight from Katy's little notebook with the purple flower, I give you (drumroll)

Thirteen Books on my to-read list

1. "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin (this is our June book club pick. I have to have it done by the 29th or Ami and Kate will have my head.)

2. "Take Three" by Karen Kingsbury (the third in another engaging series by Mrs. Kingsbury)

3. "The Secret Life of Bees " by Sue Monk Kidd (The movie is currently on my DVR and Ami and Kate said I'm not allowed to watch it until I read the book. They're so bossy)

4. "Peace Like a River" by Leif Enger (upon recommendation from my sister - who actually hasn't read it yet. It was recommended to her as well)

5. "Still Waters" by Jennifer Lauck (Book club for July)

6. "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris (I bought this at Ukazoo. I love David Sedaris. I read "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" a few summers ago and found myself laughing out loud)

7. "Winter Garden" by Kristin Hannah (Book club for August. I saw it reviewed in my Woman's Day magazine)

8. "Midwives" by Chris Bohjalian (Book club for September-ish. This was another recommendation from my sister. She reads a lot. Just sayin')

9. "Heart of the Matter" by Emily Giffin (I read Giffin's "Something Blue" in literally less than 24 hours. Needless to say, I like her and am looking forward to her newest)

10. "The Other Boleyn Girl" by Phillipa Gregory (Book club for October-ish. Another one recommended by my sister - she has practically threatened my general well-being if I don't read it)

11. "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson (Kate is reading it and seems quite pleased)

12. "Parenting a Child with ADHD" by Dr. Vincent J. Monastra (because I need help!)

13. "Saint Ben" by John Fischer (I read the sequel "The Saints and Angels Song" years ago not knowing it was a sequel. I'll probably read it again too because I remember liking it)

My hours behind the front desk at the pool this summer should help to accommodate my list. I think I read six books last summer. Yay!

Read any of these?

I'm baaaaack!

So it's been over a year.

I know.

I've been a busy girl. Don't hassle me.

Truth is, I really have missed blogging and since the beginning of the new year, I've been plotting my comeback. Well, not plotting exactly, more like thinking about getting my random thoughts back on the world wide web via... well THIS. These thoughts have usually come at random and inopportune times - i.e. the shower, while I'm teaching a piano lesson, etc.

Then you have to plan your comeback, which I figure I pretty much suck at. It having to be a certain way and all. So today, on this random Saturday (not terribly random - it's actually my youngest son's 9th birthday :-) I was sitting here at the computer doing all sorts of important things like renewing library books, checking my email, giving my Pet Society pet a bath... and I thought "why don't I jump on and write a blog."

So here I am.

I promise I have lots of blog-worthy, random, semi-important (in my mind anyway) thoughts. There may not even be anybody following this anymore, but I figured that doesn't really matter. Here I am.

You may exhale.