A Heart Like No Other

When I was a little girl I was afraid of elderly people. I remember being terrified to visit nursing homes with my parents. I think a lot of children feel this way. There is just something about the elderly that frightens young children. It's sad, but that is just the way it is.

But, Bailey is different.

She loves being around older people. She has a quiet compassion that I cannot explain. She has always had a bond with my grandmother, so maybe that explains her love for the elderly. I don't know. All I know is that she kind, gentle, tender hearted, loving and not at all fearful when she is with them.

She is not afraid to talk to them, hug them, caress their hands.

Last weekend, she played Christmas songs at two different nursing homes. Her violin teacher encouraged the students to stay for a few minutes and talk to the residents. Bailey made her way around, shaking hands and whispering (as only Bailey can) "Merry Christmas."

I noticed the other students were hesitant, as I would have been. Not many stayed to visit. In fact, by the time Bailey has visited with two or three people I noticed many of the other students were on their way out the door. But Bailey wanted to stay.

She is so soft spoken, I'm sure most of the residents couldn't hear what she was saying, but I did. I heard her and watched her and it melted my heart. She took each hand in hers, looked them in the eye, and whispered kind words. They may not have heard her, but they felt her. They felt her loving touch and they smiled.

One man had obviously had a severe stroke. His face was drawn and his hand was shriveled. When I saw him, I wondered what Bailey would do. Would he frighten her? I watched as she went to him, rubbed his shriveled hand, smiled, and again whispered "Merry Christmas."

As tears came to my eyes, my sweet Bailey did her little "happy skip" and said, "I like old people, Mom."

She has a heart like no other.

My Happy Place

Our Homeschool

I have had several people ask me about homeschooling and let me start by saying "I AM NOT AN EXPERT." Even though we have completed a pre-k program, kindergarten, and first grade at home, I still feel like I am just starting out.

Anyway, for those of you who are interested, this is how we homeschool.

We are very traditional. For the most part, we follow a traditional school calendar. We also follow a pretty traditional school day. We start at 9:00, eat lunch at noon, and wrap up our school day around 2:00. (I won't go into all of the details of our day but, if you REALLY want to know what we do every day at, say, 1:23, email me and I'll let you know.)

As far as our course of study, we are pretty traditional in that aspect also. I do not feel like I am completely qualified to write my own curriculum (although I know some homeschool moms who are able to do this brilliantly.) I have always purchased our curriculum. I acquire the Texas State Education Standards every year. When shopping for curriculum, I make sure it meets (and most of the time it exceeds) the Texas State standards. This year we are studying math, phonics, spelling, grammar, literature, map skills, art appreciation, music appreciation, handwriting, health, science, social studies, Bible, creative writing, Korean, and art.

On top of the basics, I asked Bailey and Zack to decide what "special topics" they wanted to study. This is where the fun comes in. These are things they are really interested in. I love the fact that I can teach them what they want to know. This is one of the reasons I think homeschool is a good idea. So, I put together units on Robotics, Nocturnal Animals, Veterinary Science, Hot Air Balloons, Colonies, NASA, Korea, Dog Breeds, Human Anatomy, and Christmas. As the year progresses, we will add to this list of special topics.

For those of you who are concerned about socialization - Bailey and Zack also participate in several extra-curricular activities. We are not isolated homebodies. We are an "on-the-go" kind of family. We have an outside activity to attend every weekday, sports on Saturday, and church on Sunday.

Zack is playing football in the fall and will start basketball in January. He is also in a Lego Club and takes piano lessons from Nanny. He would also like to learn some woodworking. I haven't talked to my dad about it yet so, Pa Pa, if you are reading this, give me a call!

Bailey is taking violin lessons. She is in a girls club called "Keepers of the Faith" and she is taking ballet at The LanDance Conservatory. She is "thinking about soccer." I think we may let her give it a try, but she is about as athletic as I am!

Field trips are another important part of our homeschool. As I said, we do not like to sit at home. We LOVE day trips! We are always looking for an excuse to slip out of town to learn something new. Of course, you can find us at museums and community events in Amarillo, too!

So, this is how we homeschool. It's pretty basic. We are simple people.

One of these days, I'll get around to posting photos of our school room. But right I now, I have to go outside and teach the kids how to make paper from recycled materials. I have a feeling this is going to get messy!

What I Did Last Summer

Wow. Summer is almost over. School starts tomorrow. Looking back on our summer, I don't see how we fit it all into 3 short months, but somehow we managed to pack it all in!

We have had an amazing summer.

We've been to the Royal Gorge, The Denver Museum of Natural History, Rocky Mountain National Park (long story - no photos), Bishops's Castle (strange, but fun), Oklahoma City Zoo, OKC Science Museum, Camp Bond (church camp), and countless trips to the pool.

Zack lost 3 teeth and invented a solar oven.

Bailey played in her first Fiddle Contest and trained Clifford to be on "America's Got Talent".

They ate lunch in their tree house and dug holes in the yard.

Zacky caught fireflies in Oklahoma and slept with a jar full of little flickering bugs.

Bailey learned to roller skate and they both learned to swim.

We've had 2 great evenings at Wonderland, we went to the parade in Canyon, set off fireworks in the front yard, made s'mores in the firepit, ate fresh, homegrown cucumbers and apricots from Pa Pa's yard, had a blast at Bug Camp and Hillside Live, enjoyed a couple of fiddle contests, made homemade ice cream, went to Toy Story 3, Jump-N-Jive . . . . it has been NON-STOP summer fun!

Ah, but school starts tomorrow. That's OK, really. Our little family tries to have fun, not matter the season. So hold on for a little while and I'll be posting photos of our super-great, awesomely fun FALL!

Yes, I Am A (gasp!) Homeschool Mom

I have a confession to make.

I didn't want to homeschool because I thought homeschoolers were weird.

There. I said it.

(I know, I know, my husband was homeschooled. But you know as well as I do that Kris is a rebel. He enjoys breaking the rules. So he doesn't count. He is not your stereo-typical homeschooler.)

I didn't want to homeschool because I didn't think I could ever be "that" kind of mom. Come on, you know what I'm talking about - the classic "homeschool mom".

I just don't fit the mold. I don't wear denim jumpers. I don't know how to milk a goat. I don't have any sister-wives. I don't think public school is evil. I have two children - not seventeen. I wear make-up. I like tight jeans and black high heels. I would rather listen to Train, Hootie, and Better Than Ezra than KLOVE. I am pretty worldy, by comparison.

When Bailey and Zack were getting close to school age, I changed my mind. There wasn't just one thing that changed my mind, but rather a combination of things. I decided I COULD be a homeschool mom. Maybe not the jumper-wearing, goat-milking, sister-wife kind of homeschool mom, but I could be my own kind of homeschool mom.

Over that past couple of years, I've met several other homeschool families. You can imagine how surprised I was to discover that most homeschool moms around here don't fit the mold, either. They are just normal moms with normal families who have chosen to educate their children at home. No goats, no sister-wives. (OK, well, there WAS that one family in Oklahoma City with one husband, three wives, and lots of babies, but that's another blog post....)

So, don't get me wrong. I have met my fair share of weird homeschool families, but I have also met quiet a few weird public school families. Yup. Anybody can be weird.

What's funny is that they probably think I'm pretty weird, too, with my hip-hugger jeans, hot pink tennis shoes, glittery sunglasses, and loud music.

My Battle Plan

I am a "sticker mom." I love charts and stickers.

I also love lists and schedules......and my label maker. I LOVE my label maker.

I love my household management notebook that I put together last year. It is a handy place to keep all of my neatly labeled charts, schedules, and lists.

I have come to realize, however, that my love of organization is a trait that I did not pass down to my son. He is a messy, unorganized, pack-rat. This has caused a lot of strife in our household. We are constantly butting heads over the state of his room.

Bailey, on the other hand, is just like me. She loves order. She enjoys organizing. I won't let her use my beloved label maker, so she uses construction paper and tape to make her own labels. She likes schedules and lists even more than I do.

In spite of all of my charts and labels, chores are still a bit of a problem at our house.

I think a HUGE mistake I made was the sticker chart. I generously gave out stickers for chores that were then traded for allowance - allowance that was spent on more toys to "clutter up" the kids rooms.

So, today, after I spent the morning gathering up toys to give away, we had a family meeting. We are making some changes.

Kris and I have been trying to come up with a plan and I think we finally put one together that might work.

First of all - the sticker chart is headed out the door. To be perfectly honest, I was tired of trying to keep up it with anyway.

Second, we are not giving allowance anymore. Kris and I don't get paid to wash the dishes. Why should we pay the kids to clean their rooms? We buy them whatever they need and most of what they want anyway. Allowance is just a novelty.

Third, they are going continue to help out around the house. Cleaning up and taking care of the house is just what has to be done. It's part of life and part of being in a family. They will still be helping with washing dishes, folding laundry, feeding the dog, dusting furniture, sweeping floors, wiping down bathroom counters (with chemical-free cleaning spray) - things they were being paid to do.

Fourth, I AM NOT GIVING UP MY LABEL MAKER. I will continue to label the shelves and baskets in the kids' rooms. I will continue to expect them to put their toys back exactly where they belong. Organizationally challenged or not (Zack) this is what has to be done.

And finally, NO MORE JUNK TOYS. You know what I am talking about - Happy Meal Toys, Dollar Tree Toys, Tourist Trap Toys. I am tired of little pieces of nothing that break and get scattered everywhere. From now on, we are only buying QUALITY TOYS.

We had a family meeting to discuss the changes being made and you know what? The kids are fine with it. I think they are actually delighted with the simplicity of it all. No more stickers, no more charts. They will clean their rooms every evening, and be ready to do other jobs as the need arises.

So this is my battle plan. I will let you know how it works out.........

Politics

So in the past, I have just used this blog to update family and friends on the life and times of our little family. Sometimes I am able to keep it up to date and sometimes I simply do not have time to post pictures and updates. That's just the way life is.

I am sure I will keep trying to keep it updated with photos and stories. In fact, I am going to try to post some summer highlights soon. But, today my blog is going to take a break from it's original purpose and it is going to turn political.

Yes, I said political.

I tend to keep quiet about my political views. I am not outspoken or boisterous about current political issues. I read and I vote, but I am not comfortable discussing politics. I have some very strong opinions about things, but I keep them to myself. That's just the way I am.

However, there have been some things happening lately that have just made me want to say, "OK. Enough is enough." There have been times in the past few months that I have wanted to make my opinion known, but then I have talked myself out of it. I am not confrontational. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I don't want to rock the boat.

But today, I am in a "boat-rocking mood". Maybe it is the rain. Maybe it is exhaustion. I don't know. But today I am finally going to say it -

Enough is enough.

I know that most people in our part of the country are republican. I know that most people strongly disagree with president Obama. We are all entitled to our opinions and I am grateful that we are blessed with freedom of speech.

But, I am angry.

I am angry that there are so many republicans who disrespect the office of the president of the United States of America by comparing our president to a monkey. I am angry that there are so many Christians who have so little respect for a living soul, created by God.

I am tired of people reserving places in hell for politicians. Really? God gave you that job? Really? YOU are the eternal travel agent? I had no idea. That is amazing. I thought we were to love, not judge. Disagree with others, debate issues, vote the way we feel we should vote, make our opinions known .... but not damn others. That is not our job. We are not God. We are not given the right to proclaim who is going to hell. I am appalled at the arrogance. Sickened and disgusted.

I am angry that people who are offended by "democrat haters" allow themselves to become "republican haters". I am tired of hearing people say they want respect and tolerance to be shown to them and in the next breath, rip apart the other "side".

I am angry and I have had enough. So the next time you want to forward an offensive email or post your hate in facebook, think. That's all. Just think. We are called to love, not condemn.

My sweet 7 year old little girl has been so blessed with a Godly wisdom. Every night, before bed time, she bows her head, folds her hands, and prays, earnestly, for President Obama. There is no hate. There is no condemnation. There is only love and a strong desire for our nation and our President to follow God. Shouldn't you, in all of your "adult wisdom", be doing the same?






And you know what?

I am republican. I disagree with Obama.

Easter

I just realized I haven't posted photos from Easter. Better late than never, though, right?

We started our celebration with an Easter Tea Party at "the cousin's" house. Aunt Laura has hosted an Easter tea every year since the kids were babies. Bailey and Zack always look forward to it.

On Saturday, we colored Easter eggs and baked "Resurrection Rolls". The rolls were fun and when they came out of the oven, they really looked like empty tombs!

On Sunday, the Easter bunny stopped by for a visit while we were at church. When we got home, the yard was full of eggs! He even popped inside to fill Bailey and Zack's baskets.

Then, it was off the Nanny and PaPa's house for dinner, a nice visit with Grandma Neta, and even MORE eggs!

I Would Die For That

We were married for 9 years before our little ones came along. There were times my heart was broken, but looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.

Dear Mr. Haney,

This bicycle is absolutely perfect. All it needs is a big wicker basket on the front. It is designed by Libery of London and will be available at Target on March 14th.



I also need these shoes. . . . .





Oh, and I need this dress for Bailey. . . . .



and these cute little aprons. . . .



and oh, one more thing. . . . . my birthday is only 75 days away, Mr. Haney.

Maybelline and Morgan

When Bailey was 4 years old, she asked me why all of her dolls were "white babies". I had never thought about it before, but they were all "white babies".

That very day, we went to Toys R Us to find an Asian baby. They didn't' have any Asian baby dolls, but they did have a little Asian "Kelly" doll. She named her "Little Bailey". The next Christmas, Santa was able to find a beautiful little Asian baby doll. She named her "Baby Bailey".

My Bailey's newest love is "Faith and Friend" dolls. My mom and dad gave her the Asian doll for Christmas, along with a complete wardrobe. It was Bailey's favorite gift. It even overshadowed her Santa gifts. She named her Maybelline and has played with her endlessly.

So, for her birthday, she asked for another "Faith and Friends" doll. She wanted Maybelline to have a friend. I took her shopping and let her pick which one she wanted. She chose a brown haired doll in a yellow dress. She wasn't the cutest of the "Faith and Friends" dolls and her clothes were a little plain, but that's the doll she wanted. She named her Morgan and has slept with her every night since her birthday.

A couple of days ago, Bailey and I were sitting in the floor of her room, having a tea party with Maybelline and Morgan. We visited about dolls, cookies, puppies and all of the things that are important in her little world. I thought this might be a good time to ask about Morgan.

"Bailey, tell me why you picked Morgan. Did you like her clothes the best? Or her shoes?"

"No. I liked her hair."

"Because it is cut kind of like yours?"

"No."

"Because it has yellow ribbons?"

"No, mommy. I like it because it's brown. I wanted a doll that looks like you."

Oh, my sweet Bailey . . . . .

Donny

I'm almost embarrassed to say that my first crush was Gilligan. Not the professor, but strange, silly Gilligan. I'm not even sure "crush" is the right word. I wasn't gooey in the knees about him, I just thought he was cute and funny. I've always loved men who could make me laugh.

My first real, gooey in the knees, butterflies in the tummy kind of crush was.... (imagine "One Bad Apple" underscoring here)..... Donny. I thought he was dreamy. My tummy would tickle every time I heard "Puppy Love" and to this day I am convinced "Go Away Little Girl" was written just for me (he was 16 years old and had already recorded 2 albums when I was born). My sister had his poster on her door and I would drool over his purple socks.

Later, as my taste matured, I fell head over heels for Bo Duke and Magnum P I, but my first love will always be (...sigh...) Donny.

So recently, after Donny won the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy, I confessed to my family that I used to stand in the hallway and kiss a tiny, little spot on the wall that I pretended was Donny.

This year, my sweet Daddy gave me the most wonderful Christmas gift ever. He went to a lot of trouble to get it and he was one of the first people in Amarillo to buy it on it's release date. It was (drum roll) the Donny Osmond Definitive Collection Cd! Can you believe it?!?!

I was so surprised! I squealed with delight and for just a moment, it was 1979 again and I was standing in the hallway staring at my sister's door and kissing the wall.

Thank you Daddy! You are the best dad EVER!