tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201475632012-01-15T23:56:42.805-08:00I'm a homeschool mom writing about life in general, my son, my hubby, my pets and home education.Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.comBlogger6461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-29794438639360584482009-11-11T12:56:00.001-08:002009-11-11T13:03:52.245-08:00

Thomas and I discovered something very cool today. You can buy seedlings from famous historic trees. There is a nonprofit conservation organization called American Forests, and they produce seedlings you can buy for $39.95. You can buy a Gettysburg Address Honeylocust, Edgar Allan Poe Hackberry or an Elvis Presley Southern Magnolia. I think we'll pass on a Suicide Live Oak, though. How about a

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-56655333471405458072009-11-04T22:22:00.000-08:002009-11-04T22:26:51.214-08:00

Anyone studying the Civil War, specifically Gettysburg?We have stumbled upon a fantastic blog that we are reading daily. It's also full of videos of licensed tour guides. It's almost as if we're there! Lots of information, about individuals and battles. Check it out! The funny thing is we're not studying the Civil War this year. Well, we are now, but we studied it last year. Thomas found this

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-72925929602047655222009-09-26T19:24:00.000-07:002009-09-26T19:36:24.286-07:00

I have had just a heck of a time when it comes to blogging. I used to love it, post way too often, about all kinds of things. Now? My mind just turns to mush when I think of blogging.After Dad's death, I guess I just had a major shift. I haven't gone back to where I was before, I've found a new way of living. And that includes not bloging, apparently. I guess my emotions are still somewhat raw

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-20059961112800192052009-08-27T11:15:00.000-07:002009-08-27T11:45:04.512-07:00

I am fight, kicking and screaming as I am just not ready to start school. We've had a very busy summer, got a lot of things done, yet I still have a lot of projects to complete. We start September 8th, so I still have a tiny bit of time. I am looking for volunteer opportunities for Thomas. So far I have not had any luck. In the past, we have volunteered at our local Humane Society. I'm not to

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-9744747239129816472009-08-15T15:12:00.001-07:002009-08-15T15:39:18.432-07:00

I used to really enjoy planning out our year. Now? Not so much.I've got spelling, writing and punctuation mapped out. We'll do a punctuation book half the year and then our grammar book the other half. I need to get the rest put together today and tomorrow. Here's the plan for this year:Spectrum Writing Grade 8I bought Jensen's and Spectrum, and we'll cruise through the Spectrum workbook. We'll

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-42248465302478130272009-08-12T16:22:00.000-07:002009-08-12T16:29:21.740-07:00

Homeschoolers can't survive without a good printer. At least this homeschooling family can't.In 1995, when I was a court reporter, I spent over $1,000 on a HP LaserJet 4Plus. Lots of money. It printed fast, a whopping 12 pages per minute! lol It was solid, it was good, and it has printed hundreds of thousands of pages.Monday I sat down to plan school, and when I went to print out my home-made

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-67014165255461459482009-08-09T20:28:00.000-07:002009-08-09T20:39:17.795-07:00

Thomas is 13 and 10 months. He has two baby teeth left, which he has been desperately trying to pull. He is getting braces. We have the final consult next week. If the teeth are not gone, they'll have to be pulled.Tonight, one came out. Yay.I said, "Honey, I have some bad news for you. There is no such thing as the tooth fairy." He rolled his eyes and said, "Moooooooom!" in a 13-

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-41815372351571868792009-08-04T19:51:00.000-07:002009-08-04T20:07:59.094-07:00

We had to run to Wal-mart tonight because we were out of milk and cereal. We did our shopping and went to buy the goods. One line was open, so we got in it.There was one lady in front of us and she was standing there arguing with the teller. I loaded my stuff (way more than milk and cereal, why is that?) to the belt and then tuned in, as the argument continued.PS Teacher: But these were 9 cents

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-74140774300080326662009-08-03T12:27:00.000-07:002009-08-03T12:31:51.038-07:00

Where has the summer gone?I am mostly recovered from the surgery. We've been working on a big project: our back yard. We dug up the grass and weeds in the dog run area, which is about 35x25, and laid 4 ton of river rock. It makes doggie doo-doo cleanup so easy! That was a lot of work, and Bob is now replacing the back door. All our school books have arrived and are sitting on my kitchen counter

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-85006412089272160472009-07-17T17:20:00.001-07:002009-07-17T17:32:43.024-07:00

And I lived through it.At the moment I'm pain free, a little doped up, a lot tired, and snacking on Sierra Mist and crackers.It's rough having a same-day surgery when they kind of shove you out the door so quickly. I didn't feel like leaving, I was so tired and my tummy was upset. I threw up when I woke up, and an hour later they had me eating crackers and Sprite. Then she said it was time to go.

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-76928051836623713402009-07-10T12:35:00.000-07:002009-07-10T12:42:22.431-07:00

Since I haven't blogged for so long, many may not know that this gorgeous flower is named Tesla. Bob, the electrical engineer, named him after one of his favorite people: Nikola Tesla.It's not our dog's birthday, but it is Mr. Tesla's birthday. Has anyone hit Google today? See the top with the electricity? It's a Tesla coil. That would be one very cool homeschool project! Anyway, if you run your

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-23883789699098257382009-07-05T11:20:00.000-07:002009-07-05T11:24:56.182-07:00

Our 8th grade reading list:To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee*Robinson Crusoe, Daniel DefoeOf Mice and Men, John Steinbeck*Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte*The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom*The Good Earth, Pearl S. BuckFlowers for Algernon, Daniel KeyesAnimal Farm, George OrwellThe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,Douglas AdamsThe Hobbit, J.R.R. TolkienMy Life in Dog Years, Gary Paulsen * and other

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-73203044636905733772009-07-03T19:16:00.000-07:002009-07-03T19:31:59.196-07:00

Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthplace.Not the original cabin, this was built in the 70s. This is the site of her home, though. No longer surrounded by Big Woods, but by corn fields. There are still a lot of woods in the area, though.

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-43942391896784047482009-06-24T21:56:00.001-07:002009-06-24T22:19:08.245-07:00

Emotionally: Lots better. I'm still not fully recovered from everything, but I am so in a better place. I still get weepy when I see old men in jeans with black tennis shoes. I cried the other night at our town parade when the WWII vets were driven by. I miss my Dad. Yet, life goes on and so have I. I trudged along like I was walking knee-deep in water, then got a little closer to the shore, and

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-56989608201370719692009-06-24T21:07:00.001-07:002009-06-24T21:19:30.744-07:00

Why not lump a husband in with the dogs? He'd appreciate my humor!Bob: Nothing new. Same old. Still enjoying his job, although he's very, very busy at work at the moment. He's been my rock through everything. We'll be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this September. I cannot remember life without him. I know I wouldn't have fared as well without him. Our precious Apollo and Tesla--they

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-47229075140991204612009-06-24T20:33:00.001-07:002009-06-24T20:48:13.306-07:00

Thomas has completed the seventh grade. He has grown up so fast this past year it amazes me. He is one inch shorter than I am. It is very strange standing and being able to look him in the eye. He seems so old now. Not that 13 is old, but he is maturing quickly.At this very moment, he's away at summer camp. The first day he was gone, I missed him fiercely. Now I'm fine, knowing he's having fun.

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-48401313934725253402009-06-24T20:15:00.000-07:002009-06-24T20:17:47.188-07:00

Said to the tune of the sweet little girl in the movie Poltergeist!I've done a bit of tweaking to the old blog here. Like the monkeys? We're not monkeying around, though! We've been busy.Will give a long overdue update tomorrow!Frankie =)

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-32497626450665995062009-03-18T21:06:00.000-07:002009-03-18T21:08:14.770-07:00

It's March, it's spring fever time. We're in middle school, not too exciting to blog about.I think I'm going to take a blog break for awhile.I'll be back after awhile, when I feel inspiried to write something, anything.

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-75326382314942383472009-02-27T20:59:00.001-08:002009-02-27T21:00:46.833-08:00

Even this poor old snowman is sick of winter.

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-440623656729401532009-02-10T12:28:00.000-08:002009-02-10T12:30:30.582-08:00

We've had a mini heat wave in our neck of the woods. It feels lovely! We were out and about Sunday, it was the high 30s, and none of us wore coats.Our back yard is a soupy, wet mess today. This is how I found my doggie this afternoon.

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-24216137880696346552009-02-02T05:56:00.000-08:002009-02-02T06:02:45.219-08:00

Whoever coined that term never had to clean up a brand-new gallon of milk from their refrigerator. Yesterday Bob bought two gallons of milk to last us through the week. One leaked all over the entire fridge. We noticed milk dripping on the floor late last night.What a mess. I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. I have a great fear I missed some somewhere and it's going to stink to high heaven.This

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-38494824478225175612009-01-25T08:31:00.000-08:002009-01-25T08:37:36.004-08:00

Summer Fae has tagged me. RULES:1. Link to the person who tagged you.2. Post the rules.3. Write six random things about yourself.4. Tag six people.5. Inform the tagees and the person who tagged youRandom Things About Me:I love coffee and drink it all the time. I make one pot of half-caf in the morning and drink decaf the rest of the day. I use just a pinch of fat-free half and half. I must

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-11021835101646043742009-01-22T19:34:00.000-08:002009-01-22T20:00:20.821-08:00

Guess what my dear, sweet son wore today? I wish I had snapped a picture of it. He wore his very old jeans that are too short. Shin short. High-waters, as I used to call them. He didn't know what that meant. These jeans were meant to be thrown out because they have holes in them. Fortunately, they were hidden in his closet. We never did get to his room in the big clean-out.Why?My washer is only

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-28034639747770775492009-01-19T21:53:00.001-08:002009-01-19T22:09:14.069-08:00

Tonight I am almost giddy. I am so proud our country has finally seen beyond race. I am so proud to be living through this wonderful, historical event. Mostly, I am so full of hope.Tomorrow our school day will be spent watching the television. I told Thomas that he can tell his grandchildren about the day, what he was wearing, what he was doing, and the hope that his mother had. I asked my

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-20091558289396634182009-01-12T15:27:00.000-08:002009-01-12T15:45:11.495-08:00

Schools were closed all around us today. Our school was not. Thomas and I spent a good portion of the morning listening to Don't Know Much About History: Everything You Need to Know About American History But Never Learned by Kenneth C. Davis. We are really enjoying this. We did not download this to the Zen, rather we're just listening through our Audible manager. What's really fun is Thomas will

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-54677009876284688542009-01-12T15:26:00.000-08:002009-01-12T15:27:33.972-08:00

Apparently, according to all the blogs I read on a daily basis, it is de-lurk day today.I don't know if I have ever asked people to de-lurk and say hello before. I will today. I'd love to say hi to some of my lurkers!Drop me a line!

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-20497169050913963212009-01-11T20:48:00.000-08:002009-01-11T21:14:08.098-08:00

Just thought I'd give an update to our cleaning spree. (I know it bores most to tears, but I do go back and read through the blog on occasion, and it's nice to see the reminders.This past week we started school up again, so the big cleaning came to a halt. I putzed in the kitchen, got the cupboards all organized, but the kitchen remained messy because it was the landing spot for stuff.Saturday

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-88565962254348792022009-01-11T20:29:00.000-08:002009-01-11T20:46:45.784-08:00

Audrey, the super-sleuth, figured it out. How smart of her to go to the Truman Online Library (hey, she is a librarian) and search. I'm about 98% certain it was Harry S Truman. I've studied his picture, tried to brush the cobwebs out of my brain, and really tried to re-live that day. I think I was stuck on Johnson because he was one of my Dad's favorite presidents. I'm pretty sure it was April of

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-74573224360099857142009-01-09T15:21:00.001-08:002009-01-09T15:47:43.414-08:00

When I was a young girl growing up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, I remember my mother making me mad. She made me get my coat on and go to the Cheyenne Airport so I could shake Former President So-and-so's hand.I remember driving out there, parking, and being miserably cold because as usual, the Wyoming wind was whipping. If you've ever been in Cheyenne, or Wyoming for that matter, you know that the wind

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-39361622333460977762009-01-05T10:32:00.000-08:002009-01-05T10:41:05.588-08:00

Catherine Called Birdy by Karen CushmanThe Face on the Milk CartonAnimal FarmSwiss Family Robinson: Johann WyssShiloh: Phyllis Reynold’s NaylorRoll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: Mildred TaylorThe Incredible Journey: Sheila BurnfordJohnny Tremain: Esther ForbesThe Fox and the HoundJulie of the Wolves: Jean Craighead GeorgeHeidi: Johanna SpyriGentle Ben Walt MoreyAlice's Adventures in Wonderland

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-89549092285824739282009-01-04T20:14:00.001-08:002009-01-04T20:26:37.237-08:00

Well, I'm not done.My kitchen is a horrid mess. But gee, the cupboards are clean, nice and neat. Well, all but two that is.I'm having a wee bit of anxiety right now because we have to start school tomorrow. School? Eeeks, I've almost forgotten how to do school. I have nothing ready. I forget where we are. While we're doing school tomorrow, I'll be fretting about the state of the kitchen.It's a

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-36970567403518732212009-01-04T18:57:00.000-08:002009-01-04T19:29:33.938-08:00

I shouldn't be posting this, but it's on my mind and has been since the death of a beautiful 16-year old boy.First off, I am talking about the Travoltas. My heart goes out to the parents and sister because they have experienced every parent's worst nightmare. I feel for them from the bottom of my soul. I really do. I just cannot imagine what they are going through. But, I have questions. I would

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-86662377762088524752009-01-03T20:11:00.000-08:002009-01-03T20:27:09.697-08:00

At 4 pm today, the basement was officially done.DONE! DONE! DONE! DONE! DONE!!!!!!!!!!!Now I just have the kitchen and Thomas's room to tackle, but did I mention, the basement is done?We kept finding things to do, and I thought we'd never finish.We re-arranged the furniture, so Thomas now has a gaming area. It will be a comfortable area for watching movies as well. For a "dumpy" basement, it's

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-27605534460624927022009-01-02T19:43:00.000-08:002009-01-02T20:00:25.024-08:00

It's Friday, I just checked the blog, and we started this spree one week ago today. Wow--it's all a blur, but wow.Didn't quite get the family room done. We're really close, but we just pooped out. I still haven't done the games. Bob was laughing at me because I've probably spent an entire hour going up to it, looking at it, and walking away. I'll probably just dust most the games off, re-organize

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-18072374553712463902009-01-02T11:22:00.000-08:002009-01-02T11:31:15.372-08:00

I just need to whine. I hate doing the family room. Every time I go to the game cupboard I stare at it, move a few games around, then walk away. I don't like to play board games. To me, they're bored games. Yet, we have lot of good games and Thomas likes to play. I asked Bob if he would look them over. Every one of them I'd keep except for his Risk game. I did sneak out the Hungry, Hungry

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-69219068757597130092009-01-01T22:36:00.001-08:002009-01-01T22:49:02.046-08:00

Too pooped to pop!Perhaps it was our wild partying last night (lying around watching TV trying to stay awake to bring in the new year) or perhaps we were just mentally and physically drained, but...I finished the laundry room this morning and called 'er good. For today.Thomas, Bob and I all laid down at 11 to take a nap. We all woke about 1 in the afternoon. We were all too drained to put any

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-89873256290461995392009-01-01T14:36:00.000-08:002009-01-01T14:44:24.029-08:00

Calling all budding engineers, it's time for the 2009 West Point Bridge Design Contest!Go to the site, download their software, form a team of 1-2 members, and build the least expensive bridge that will support the simulated load test.How fun! Who is eligible? (No reason to start a petition, homeschoolers are included!)1) Students, age 13 through grade 12, who are currently enrolled in middle

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-2871417392393262472008-12-31T19:52:00.000-08:002008-12-31T20:04:36.747-08:00

I am so exhausted that I don't think I'll make it until midnight.Yesterday and today are blurred. We worked in the basement again today. At one point I walked into my laundry room and gasped. I bet over half the "stuff" is gone. It didn't look like the same room.Sorting, bagging, tossing, loading over and over ad nauseum.Our celebration dinner tonight was Pizza Hut. We like it, we were all too

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-70730698960953145522008-12-31T14:45:00.001-08:002008-12-31T15:13:57.908-08:00

It was a rough year. The hardest of my life.Even though technically Jerry Lee passed on December 27, 2007, we mourned him well into 2008.The Final CallDad belonged to the UTU, United Transportation Union. In their monthly publication, they have a section called The Final Call where they list those members who recently passed. Dad had his final call this last year.Dad, I miss you so much.But

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-47307354173653418372008-12-31T11:01:00.000-08:002008-12-31T11:30:31.559-08:00

Tuesday I walked into the living room and realized there is very little to declutter. I just needed to go through the old videos which are in an antique "thing" for lack of a better word. The thing was behind a Christmas tree, so I had to scratch that idea.Moved on to the kitchen, and after about five minutes' work, I was summoned to the basement, where I ended up staying the rest of the day.Bob

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-58175902312687760332008-12-29T18:46:00.000-08:002008-12-29T19:13:33.413-08:00

Exhaustion. Pure exhaustion, that's what I'm feeling. Bob is sound asleep on the couch and has been for awhile.After finishing the school room, I unloaded the scary hall closet. I had no where to put stuff, so I used that clean school room. Ouch, that hurt. It was only a landing spot, though, and it's back to spic and span now.As I was unloading the closet, I called my sweet husband to help me.

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-59671966592832373462008-12-29T09:33:00.001-08:002008-12-29T09:43:16.831-08:00

FINALLY, the school room is done.It's ugly, but at least it's organized and clean. The dumpster was supposed to arrive this morning, as well as the couch/TV pick up. Bob has been pacing back and forth, aggravated because of all the garbage that is stacked up. A watched pot never boils, so we'll just have to keep busy and try not to trip on our bags.I need new blinds and some colorful toppers.

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-36689830619033748302008-12-29T00:14:00.000-08:002008-12-29T00:48:41.046-08:00

I awoke to a barking dog. Tesla was going crazy because Bob and Thomas went out to breakfast. Without me. They brought me a fountain pop, so I was happy.Saturday had been a very traumatic day for me. I was just so shocked at the amount of stuff (I call it another word in my head) that I had accumulated in the school room. It stressed me out big time, and I had to fight myself to keep from getting

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-77653075301189192702008-12-28T13:15:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:25:45.037-08:00

Happy half birthday to me! When I was a kid, I just couldn't understand why Mom wouldn't celebrate December 27th as my half birthday. ;-)School Room DayWay too much garbage to take a photo of.Filled a few tubs with books/curricula to sell.Filled a few tubs to donate to the library for its book sale.Filled a few tubs for donations.Cried. A lot.This room had me wondering if I was indeed a

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-41632594214756686952008-12-28T13:01:00.000-08:002008-12-28T13:14:21.161-08:00

Had the argument.Called the trash company, ordered dumpster and hide-a-bed pick up and TV pick up.Bob halled a bunch of tree branches to the city tree dump.Started laundry.Decuttered master bedroom. Two tubs overflowing with donations. Several bags of garbage. I was ruthless: if I didn't wear it, if I hated it, it it had holes, stains, etc., it got tossed. If it was in wearable condition, it

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-20960320243880843412008-12-28T11:48:00.000-08:002008-12-28T12:10:58.349-08:00

I have debated posting about this since Friday. Do I want to air my dirty laundry on my blog? Yes, no, yes, no.I decided to air the dirty laundry.Before Christmas, Bob asked me what I wanted for Christmas. My answer? A clean house. Seriously. What did I get? An iPod Shuffle (which I'm wearing and loving.), and a few other small, nice goodies. The day after Christmas, Bob and I had a spat. About

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-29846174549100242222008-12-17T08:20:00.000-08:002008-12-17T08:28:06.407-08:00

I am going to take a blog break for awhile. I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season, though.We celebrate Christmas here. The one thing Thomas really, really wants for Christmas is a Wii. I happened to be out shopping one night before Thanksgiving and our local Walmart had one. I snatched it up. Good thing, too, because we haven't found one in any store we've been to since. Believe me,

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-92209267426060765272008-12-08T02:36:00.000-08:002008-12-08T02:41:16.735-08:00

I woke up at 3:30, and unable to get back to sleep, I decided to have some quiet-time at Amazon. I don't do this often, because it makes me wish I were rich.Anyway, as I've been drooling over books for the past hour, I have listened to Thomas giggling. He is not awake. He has been a nocturnal giggler ever since he was a tiny tot. Bob and I have often giggle along with him, because the

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-28321810675718120592008-12-06T11:22:00.000-08:002008-12-06T11:45:02.868-08:00

My very good friends Becky and Meg have awarded me the Buttefly Award. Thank you! I am honored. The rules for this award are to link to the person who gave it to you, post the (updated) graphic and pass it on to 10 other bloggers. I must admit that while I love blog awards, I always hate being limited to choosing a set number. I read every blog on my bloglines because I like the blog very much

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-87900876049290390302008-12-03T10:12:00.000-08:002008-12-03T10:17:24.602-08:00

Which cartoon was it that used to give alternative titles for each episode? Bullwinkle? Anyway, this post needs two titles.Bob came home at lunch today and said he had a song stuck in his head. And then he sang it. Thomas went crazy, because he hates the song. Family Guy did an episode on this particular song. (Yes, I'm an awful mother and let my son watch Family Guy, which is clearly an adult

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-34452281200353753982008-11-30T10:07:00.000-08:002008-11-30T10:45:28.964-08:00

For those studying westward travel, steamships or US rivers, I stumbled upon a cool website.It seems in 1856, there was a Steamship Arabia which traveled the Missouri River. The steamship was built in 1853 and carried passengers on part of their journey west. It was 171 feet long and could carry 222 tons.On August 30, 1856, she left St. Louis bound for Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Sioux City,

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-15741177876419536912008-11-29T23:31:00.000-08:002008-11-30T00:24:53.281-08:00

I saw this somewhere, it wasn't a homeschool blog, but I thought it looked like fun. Tagging anyone who wants to play, but it does take a few minutes.1) Answer the questions below.2) Take each answer and type it into Photobucket.com3) Take a picture from the first page of results and post (use the HTML code or else it won’t post).4) You can't copy the person's answers who posted this before you!1

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-50528166968461617532008-11-29T20:54:00.000-08:002008-11-29T21:16:34.207-08:00

Since I posted. I've got nothing. Nothing to say. Can't think of anything! Me, the one who is a chatterbox, quiet.Actually, I guess I would have a lot of things to say, but I'm not in the most positive of moods. And this blog has seen enough negativity to last a lifetime.Okay, so I'll add to it.I don't like Thanksgiving. There, I said it. After cooking a big feast, Bob taking over in the kitchen

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-29897513370631432882008-11-14T10:36:00.000-08:002008-11-14T10:44:26.731-08:00

Would you please take a moment, in honor of Thomas, who was diagnosed with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy this summer, to sign a petition by the Epilepsy Foundation?The Epilepsy Foundation is leading the fight to increase funding for research and programs, stop discrimination and improve access to care.In 2009, a new President, 535 members of Congress and nearly 10,000 state legislators will take

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-40374276560816503592008-11-13T22:04:00.000-08:002008-11-13T22:20:19.553-08:00

A strange thing happened about five minutes ago. I couldn't sleep, so I got out of bed. As I did, I heard Bob stir (he falls asleep on the couch every once in awhile.) Thomas also made some noise. The three of us met in the hallway. Bob was startled, but Thomas and I were both wide awake.How weird is that?Both Thomas and I are not sleepy. So what should we do at midnight? Turn on Cartoon Network

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-73689587336205864272008-11-12T14:31:00.000-08:002008-11-12T14:50:26.016-08:00

A meme from Meg. What’s the last thing you ate? A dinner roll.What’s your favorite cheese? Cheddar.What’s your favorite fish? Tuna. (I'm not a fish fan.)What’s your favorite fruit? Bananas.When, if ever, did you start liking olives? yuckWhen, if ever, did you start liking beer? yuck--I drank my share in my early 20s, but the smell of beer makes me want to gag. When, if ever, did you

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-39567982679592116142008-11-06T21:14:00.000-08:002008-11-06T21:26:16.158-08:00

Today the library had its monthly teen Wii party.Thomas was the only kid to show up. So he played. All by himself.The librarian had her computer and worked while he played. He said toward the end, she played a game with him.The library bought this and has teen parties and adult parties once a month. Thomas went in September, missed October, and then today. In September, there were three other

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-22133442768565543672008-11-04T20:09:00.000-08:002008-11-04T20:13:58.245-08:00

Hit by a flu bug today, I've been in bed most of the night, sleeping off and on. How delightful to wake up an hour ago, and watch CNN.When CNN announced it, I literally had chills running up and down my body -- and it wasn't flu chills, it was excitement. I've been crying, too--tears of JOY. I literally sobbed tears of joy.I have such great HOPE for our country now.Now I pray (yes, I do that)

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-36894714321492943982008-11-03T08:09:00.000-08:002008-11-03T08:14:24.905-08:00

And no, I don't mean Paris-Hilton hot.Today, in our part of Minnesota, it is supposed to be a whopping 75 degrees. In November. In Minnesota. Huh?Yesterday was a warm day, too, and the neighborhood kids were playing in their shorts! In Minnesota. In November.Last night my house was so hot that I had to open windows! I slept with the window open all night long, never once got cold, and woke

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-1454470023638160882008-11-02T14:46:00.000-08:002008-11-02T14:58:16.568-08:00

I didn't take photos of Thomas this year. He dressed up as Scream, the same as last year. We only had a dozen trick-or-treaters this year. I saw this meme at Our Life Adventures and thought I'd play. Yes, I know Halloween is over, but I neglected to do anything for the holiday on the blog. So, better late than never. Here are the questions:Are you scared of bats?No.When you were a kid, did you go

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-53921115385762953852008-10-26T20:10:00.000-07:002008-10-26T20:44:52.804-07:00

Well, here I sit, Thomas is in bed, Bob is asleep on the couch, and it's just me and the dogs. I'm very blue tonight, but I know the reason.I have finally figured out a pattern to my insanity. See, I was beginning to feel I was going insane. Last month I had a panic attack, out of the blue, and it ticked me off. I had been doing so well. Well, yesterday we drove to Mankato and I had a panic

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-66416425924751274292008-10-26T07:58:00.000-07:002008-10-26T08:07:55.618-07:00

We are having terrible winds today. I just happened to look out the back window only to notice our neighbor's dead tree, the tree I've worried about for years coming down into our yard, did.I highly doubt this neighbor will help pay for the cleanup. Luckily the tree missed our basketball hoop and our shed. I went out and looked, but didn't stay long. There are big, dead branches in his other

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-18479539624039172202008-10-23T19:06:00.000-07:002008-10-23T19:07:39.904-07:00

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-23335186713773728592008-10-21T08:42:00.000-07:002008-10-21T09:03:26.005-07:00

Every day, Thomas has to listen to Abba while doing school.Every day. Every single stinking day.No other CD will do. I have tried to introduce him to new music. I got out my CD folder labeled "mellow" and started putting CDs in. We've listened to John Denver, Willie Nelson's Stardust, Bread, America, BeeGees...yuck to all.We used to listen to classical music, but Thomas hated that. We quit. I

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-62472648485977098762008-10-20T16:18:00.000-07:002008-10-20T19:02:01.826-07:00

Dad's house is officially sold.About an hour and a half after getting the news, I broke out into uncontrollable sobs. It hit me like a ton of bricks.I'm going to give myself a few days to mourn. It's almost like losing Dad all over again. Kind of. It's just weird. My safe haven is no longer. My kitchen table chats are gone. The house now will remain in my heart, mind and photos.It's all so

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-18826118756578535792008-10-19T19:34:00.000-07:002008-10-19T19:43:17.674-07:00

DH and I just filled out our new insurance forms. For almost the same coverage (slightly lower deductibles) we're going to be paying $50 more per paycheck. That will add up quick.It was an uneventful weekend. Well,I got something done that I really needed to get done that was highly stressful for me. I putzed around the house. Thomas was hardly to be seen as he was out and about running the

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-50667518743296085122008-10-13T15:45:00.000-07:002008-10-13T16:13:42.291-07:00

Last week I was bone tired. I'm finally rested up and raring to go.Last night I learned that my aunt passed away. She was my Dad's brother's wife. We shared the same name--well, nickname, I guess. She was a lovely lady, and even though I didn't know her well, I feel saddened.I also learned last night that my other aunt, my Dad's sister, had a heart attack on Friday. She was taken to the hospital,

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-10952645766597321092008-10-13T09:54:00.000-07:002008-10-13T09:55:28.535-07:00

To all my Canadian friends, Thomas and I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-62377535172838741422008-10-11T07:53:00.000-07:002008-10-11T08:06:25.245-07:00

I'm enjoying a slow morning, sipping my coffee, catching up on the internet.All of a sudden I hear noise outside. It's my crazy next-door neighbor. The one with the poodle that doesn't stop barking.What's he doing today? He's vacuuming the street. He's done our side and the other side. He's vacuuming the gutters free of leaves, so he can put them in his garden. At least that's what he tells

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-36260343794274496842008-10-10T16:03:00.000-07:002008-10-10T16:35:41.214-07:00

One of the furnace guys and I got to chatting yesterday afternoon. When I first looked at him, I figured him to be in his 50s. I don't know how old he was, but he mentioned Iraq. I asked if he was in Desert Storm. Nope, he got back last summer and went with my town's National Guard unit.He wanted to go. He wanted to go because he was higher up in rank, but he wanted to be with his fellow

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-34929393973817708392008-10-10T10:31:00.000-07:002008-10-10T10:42:09.106-07:00

Really, really tired.Birthday was a success. I'll post more about it when I'm not so tired. I've had workers in my house since Wednesday. We left South Dakota very early Wednesday morning, and I drove back while Bob, Thomas and the pups slept. The whole time I drove, I focused on two things: Chevy Chase, and that scene in Vacation where his whole family is asleep in the car and the camera

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-1990362589421153522008-10-05T19:48:00.000-07:002008-10-05T19:59:26.100-07:00

I'm a little annoyed at Bob. Kinda sorta.Thomas's birthday is Tuesday. We have everything planned and have managed, so far, to keep the secret. Bob and I sat down and discussed what we would give Thomas for his present. He wanted one Webkinz and a Sims pack. We felt -- rather, I felt that, plus the motel, was a super birthday.Today Bob ran to Wal-mart. He came in and told me that he picked up a

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-80779649671421467092008-10-01T10:02:00.000-07:002008-10-01T10:07:57.719-07:00

Today's excitement. Bob was relieved to find it's only a U-joint and easily fixed. He hates plumbing. What a good excuse to clean out and reorganize under there. My pretty contact paper that I had there just lifted right off, so I'll have to find some new. I've got a fan running to dry it out.If we have time, I am going to have Thomas Google how to repair a U-joint and make this into a school

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-44875142058828597322008-10-01T07:06:00.000-07:002008-10-01T07:23:06.893-07:00

I have a secret, and I'm not telling -- Thomas.Next week my BABY has a birthday and he will be aTEENAGER!!! How did that happen so darned fast? How can he be so old? It's making me feel old!!!Bob and I had some alone time yesterday while Thomas was at art class. Earlier in the week, Thomas and I brainstormed what to do on his his birthday. How could we not, because he was/is obsessed! We used the

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-18662797549443659212008-09-28T10:01:00.000-07:002008-09-28T10:10:52.819-07:00

Saturday I made a date with Thomas. It was a cleaning date. We set aside the entire day, aside from some school assignments I had him do to catch up for Thursday. Bob had to go to work, so it was just the two of us.We kicked it. The two of us scrubbed, dusted, vacuumed, changed sheets, pulled curtains off the rods to be washed, got on hands and knees and washed floors. We were both exhausted at

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-69250761993316998872008-09-27T14:37:00.000-07:002008-09-27T14:39:10.080-07:00

In case you don't follow Heather's blog, My Supernatural World, pop on over and read her post on The S Word.Excellent, Heather!

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-65716592559898837512008-09-26T21:51:00.000-07:002008-09-26T21:55:57.080-07:00

My pup is 1 today. He was neutered Wednesday, and this is how he spent his day:Poor thing. He's on "bed rest." It's difficult to keep a border collie on bed rest. It's even more difficult to keep TWO on bed rest.Both are recovering well, but not too happy about their collars or their more-than-usual time spent in their crates. Makes me sad, too, but I'd rather they heal than get infected. Plus,

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-62450388863866336212008-09-26T15:52:00.000-07:002008-09-26T15:57:26.153-07:00

I cannot remember how I found this site, but I really wanted to share it here. Awhile ago, I posted that I wanted something for math practice, and I chose Calculadders. We don't do them on a daily basis, but the upper levels are a nice refresher/practice.Somehow, I found this site: Daily Math Review. For 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, you can download the files and have a lovely math warm-up or as they

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-63187847549790071212008-09-25T21:53:00.000-07:002008-09-25T22:16:40.391-07:00

This morning we had to drive an hour and 15 minutes to get Apollo and Tesla. I had to stop to buy dog food and a new office chair for my aching body. We were hurrying, and left the house. I had not eaten breakfast, but did have two cups of coffee. Typically my coffee is half caf. I make it that because I don't want a full caffeine hit.Right as we get into the car, I feel woozy. I figure it was

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-43368195371096494342008-09-24T08:06:00.000-07:002008-09-24T08:13:08.985-07:00

My precious boys are getting neutered today. Apollo will be 1 year old on the 26th -- what a birthday present! Tesla is 11 months. Our contract with the breeder stated we had to wait until they were a year old before neutering. There's evidence it's healthier to wait. I emailed her and asked if it would be okay to get the boys done at the same time, because recovery would be easier if they were

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-51421628672534643952008-09-23T17:36:00.000-07:002008-09-23T18:17:23.955-07:00

Last February, I bought some text books on eBay. About the time I was expecting them to arrive, my Dad called and asked that we come to help him with his surgery. If you've been reading my blog, you know the rest of that story. Before we could leave for Denver, we had to wait for the mail man. On March 7th, the car was packed, the dogs were leashed, we were ready to walk out the door. In fact, we

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-3404260063077450232008-09-23T09:52:00.000-07:002008-09-23T10:14:27.882-07:00

That's how we'll be this winter.Yesterday, I wrote a check for $2,000 for a down payment for our new furnace and air conditioner. Upon completion, we'll owe another $4,000. We'll get some good rebates, which will help.We believe our furnace is original to our house, which was built in 1976. We had a new air conditioner put in three or four years ago, but it has been nothing but problems. I've

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-35086044132926136792008-09-22T05:40:00.000-07:002008-09-22T06:00:27.567-07:00

I have been fascinated with the recent harvesting and canning sprees that I have been reading in the blog world. I am kitchen challenged. That kind of thing intrigues me, sparks some childhood memories, and makes me envious.I recently asked a good friend about her canning, and she explained how she started and what kinds of things she canned. I was just taken with it. Except the part that it's

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-49931895799171379052008-09-21T05:38:00.000-07:002008-09-21T05:54:54.928-07:00

Saturday Thomas and I got up really, really Early. One of our neighboring cities was having their annual city-wide garage sale. I have gone every year since I have lived in Minnesota, and always had a wonderful time. (Except when I went with friends who ran out of money and wanted to leave early.) Every year we come home with some really cool stuff.The city usually rents out their fairground

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-35606920145043421372008-09-19T17:56:00.000-07:002008-09-19T18:09:54.372-07:00

Last week I reported that Thomas's focus and attention was spot on.Sadly, this week it was not. And it was so far from being what a typical seventh grader should be, that it scared me. (Typical=me, I guess. And my assumptions of other children.)Thomas and I have discussed at length his attention issues. He's had these issues forever. He can focus on something he loves, or if he's in the right

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-25637498613487413152008-09-19T09:46:00.000-07:002008-09-19T09:50:25.055-07:00

Stanford University is offering free courses online. Check it out!Introduction to Computer ScienceProgramming Methodology Programming Abstractions Programming Paradigms Artificial IntelligenceIntroduction to Robotics Natural Language Processing Machine Learning Linear Systems and OptimizationThe Fourier Transform and its Applications Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems Convex

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-54455573005187679982008-09-17T17:20:00.000-07:002008-09-17T17:56:55.110-07:00

While I keep this blog mostly secular in nature, I am not a secular person. I call myself a Christian, but I also have some new-age beliefs.Thomas has always had some version of a bible, from the children's bible and now he has one geared toward teens. He reads it on his own when he feels the need. He has read the child bible a few times.Many, many times he has asked to start going to church.I

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-84802895662045574902008-09-15T21:24:00.000-07:002008-09-15T21:33:36.193-07:00

Frankie and Bob. September 16, 1989. A beautiful day, a short ceremony at Stav Kirk, also known as The Chapel in the Hills, in Rapid City, South Dakota. It was perfect except for one thing. Mom made my dress. I hated it. There, I said it. Great to get that off my chest, because I don't know that I have said that before. I had picked a lovely gown that fit me, fit my body, and fit my personality.

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-25219692353286063872008-09-14T12:41:00.000-07:002008-09-14T12:50:38.437-07:00

Last week we had three really good one-liners in this house.On Monday night, Bob was watching Monday Night Football. The Vikings (our team) were playing their rivals, Green Bay.Thomas was outside playing.It's never a good thing to be in the house when Bob is watching football. He swears. And he doesn't think before he swears.So while he was watching, I was on a three-way phone call with my sister

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-7490687586544412142008-09-14T08:56:00.000-07:002008-09-14T09:15:11.284-07:00

It seems that someone flipped a switch and summer ended just like that. It's been a cool week with a lot of rain. This morning I stayed in bed completely relaxed, listening to the sound of the rain. It's one of those thing I love to do, snuggling up and just existing in a comfortable, dreamy state. The rain was just icing on the cake.Thursday and Friday were rough school days for Thomas. He just

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-61042239057281232862008-09-09T16:19:00.000-07:002008-09-09T16:34:46.533-07:00

Ah, the second week of school, time to tweak already.No sense in trying to make something work. I don't like the science book we bought. I actually bought two. They're integrated science books by Glencoe. Last year Thomas read Life Science and most of Earth Science by Glencoe on his own. So I figured that this would be a hit, too.It may be with him, but it's not with me. I find them choppy, light

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-53178645779087758352008-09-09T09:26:00.000-07:002008-09-09T09:48:50.330-07:00

I've blogged about my CD player dying. Lots of people recommended a Bose, but I just couldn't afford it. Nor could I afford a new boom box.Dad to the rescue. Dad's been gone for almost four months already. Sigh. I still miss him, but time is easing the sting, just a tad.Every year for Christmas, Dad would send us a check. He gave Bob and I $100 each, and Thomas a different amount. I hoarded my

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-61531405870747848982008-09-09T09:11:00.000-07:002008-09-09T09:19:30.402-07:00

Sleep has been much improved this week, thankfully. I know it's only Tuesday, but I'm hopeful. At any rate, I have noticed that during Thomas's least favorite subject, math, I get so tired I could just pass out. It doesn't matter what time of day he does math. It puts me to sleep.He still can't stay focused unless I am sitting next to him. He's a lot better, but remain, I will, until he's "there.

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-74723989466200589652008-09-06T11:55:00.000-07:002008-09-06T11:56:20.320-07:00

unconsciousvacationwanderyellowaboardbakingcafeteriadairyeconomyfamiliargaugeidenticaljewelryknewlaboratorymagazinenatural naturallyobeypaidquestionnaireun-con-sciousva-ca-tionwan-deryel-lowa-boardbak-ingcaf-e-te-riadair-yecon-o-myfa-mil-iargaugei-den-ti-caljew-el-ryknewlab-o-ra-to-rymag-a-zinenat-u-ral nat-u-ral-lyo-beypaidques-tion-naire

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-44371774949711137722008-09-04T19:50:00.000-07:002008-09-04T20:00:22.541-07:00

I'm glad to report we got everything done in my plan for the day. Whew! Thomas let me sleep a little this morning, and he did his independent work. Then when I got up, still feeling groggy, I loaded up with coffee and we put nose to grindstone and got 'er done. I have noticed a big jump in maturity this year. I still get lots of whines, especially over math, but...The big thing I've noticed may

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-210340109560467172008-09-04T04:02:00.001-07:002008-09-04T04:15:59.832-07:00

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it's a beautiful day. Everyone is fresh from a good night's sleep: EXCEPT ME. I was up all night.Second night in a row. The night previous, the last time I looked at the clock it was 4am.What's keeping me up?Sarah Palin.I've got myself all worked up over politics. I'm married to a republican. My best friend is a democrat. I'm a moderate. I seem to

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-61063129901148927932008-09-01T18:28:00.000-07:002008-09-01T18:35:54.865-07:00

In addition to our spelling program this year, we are going to work on a list of 20 words each week. Thomas is weak in spelling, and we are going to work really hard at it this year. I decided to scour the internet for lists of most commonly misspelled words. I made lots of lists, and from that, a master list. From that, I'm picking 20 words each week, in no particular order. I am printing the

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-25718336413822100362008-09-01T10:58:00.000-07:002008-09-01T11:18:05.560-07:00

Monday. Nice to have a day off. For Bob, that is, somehow moms never get a day off.I need to get to civilization sometime soon. My boom box is dying. Thomas and Bob bought me a very nice CD player for the kitchen a few years ago. It's a Sony, it's pretty--has a lovely blue neon light--and has great sound. The sad thing is that the CD player is no longer working. It started going on the blitz this

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-25204540017725532562008-08-30T19:25:00.000-07:002008-08-30T19:38:01.598-07:00

Thomas and I tried to study Spanish last year. We have Bob's college text and tapes. It really isn't too much for us even though it's a text book because we can break it down into small chunks. Thomas does really well with the chunks. We're having a slight problem, though. That problem is ME! I just am putting up a block to learning Spanish! I am slowing us down because I can't remember the

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20147563.post-90876745539369864172008-08-30T09:32:00.000-07:002008-08-30T09:44:57.925-07:00

I caught Thomas singing yesterday. Big deal, right? Yeah, it was a big deal because Thomas doesn't sing.My kiddo isn't in to music. He hates--H-A-T-E-S--to sing. His one complaint about summer camp? Singing camp songs. He refused. So yesterday I heard him singing. I can't complain about what he was singing, because he was singing. Want to know the band that he is now in love with? I have had to

Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02443594220588498332noreply@blogger.com1