tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66990238220913068452024-03-05T08:21:31.721-08:00It is about the journey...Living, learning, and often swimming upstreamCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-87299169420734374362011-10-03T07:30:00.000-07:002011-10-03T07:30:13.737-07:00Spiritual PetsittingThis week we are visiting two darling dogs, Elvis and Sophie. This is new client, referred by one of our long time clients, and we thank her again for the trust!<br />
<br />
As I sat in the cool morning with Sophie the itty bitty poodle on my lap and Elvis the schnauzer guarding the property from evil squirrels, I thought about why I love our petsitting business so much.<br />
<br />
Sons and I have been doing this for over 6 years. They grew up with it, first accompanying me on sits, now they do the bulk of the sits on their own. Lots of great memories together and car time to talk.<br />
<br />
But, I love it because I feel like I am a caretaker. Caring for these pets who are special in the clients' lives. Allowing them to travel (for vacations, family events, some happy some sad) and knowing their beloved animals are in good hands. Also their house is safe and looks lived in.<br />
<br />
But as I sit in a home, am there multiple times a day, I feel I get to know the people. No, I don't snoop, but I see. See photos on the fridge, the coats on the rack, the running shoes by the back door, the dad's shirts pressed in the laundry room ready for work the next Monday, the dishes in the sink or cheerios on the floor.<br />
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I spend my lap time with the dogs (or cats) doing my spiritual reading or meditations. It allows me to pray for them as well. There is something intimate about being in someone's home when they are not there. I am so thankful for the trust.<br />
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Today as I sat with Sophie in the pool lounge, and Elvis was doing Squirrel Sentry Duty, I felt so thankful and also in awe at the responsibility I had. I also read today's liturgy scripture about the greatest commandment- to love God with all our heart, mind and strength and one another as our self. <br />
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I feel I fail so often. What should I be doing? Big things, little things? Well, this is a little thing I can do. Love their pets. Love them. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqE6o6-nfn-my7LmKKpsTd2ecys58KoBv473QvOGxTxp2Lut0hlSWAWksK1ZU0A0rjq8p_uV7gsOZDBQf51cDmBDp5bCIZq1UqLjGk3wfuach2ji09nW1bJPHP4VUHXWoX9aSYer9Mi6p/s1600/HAH+Clients+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqE6o6-nfn-my7LmKKpsTd2ecys58KoBv473QvOGxTxp2Lut0hlSWAWksK1ZU0A0rjq8p_uV7gsOZDBQf51cDmBDp5bCIZq1UqLjGk3wfuach2ji09nW1bJPHP4VUHXWoX9aSYer9Mi6p/s400/HAH+Clients+002.JPG" /></a></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-73723087853402345002011-10-02T20:19:00.000-07:002011-10-02T20:35:32.361-07:00Good to Great to Humble?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENePsDfKdNDlNQi3yp84EaO3nOCbn7SFlSAYyIVNaY6EjgJ2oP7auv70ze2pWvZ0Ei4Zj6GdmtQNYKAjCXB7xOcFU9lAH6cTCI_eXxeZsMqt3Trm6P8EXISasEa6wS9bOZi8NC2T9WHTG/s1600/good+to+great.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="243" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENePsDfKdNDlNQi3yp84EaO3nOCbn7SFlSAYyIVNaY6EjgJ2oP7auv70ze2pWvZ0Ei4Zj6GdmtQNYKAjCXB7xOcFU9lAH6cTCI_eXxeZsMqt3Trm6P8EXISasEa6wS9bOZi8NC2T9WHTG/s400/good+to+great.gif" /></a></div><br />
I am listening to the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Companies-Leap-Others/dp/0066620996">Good to Great by Jim Collins</a>.<br />
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Yes, it is about businesses.. recommended by my husband's business coach. (Yes, he is starting a new business, but that is a different story.)<br />
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I started listening, and it was very intriguing, but I felt suddenly like I didn't want to listen to a business book right now. Yes, I have always loved business, ended up with a degree in it, have worked for 2 really great small or start up companies, have our own little pet-sitting business, which we love... and now am going to some awesome coaching sessions with my husband.<br />
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But I feel sometimes a book like this- well, it puts one back in the box.. like "Ten Great Tips to Success!" kind of books, or article, or.. you know.<br />
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But this guy is a reseacher. He went into this project not with a pre-determined answer he hoped his data wold support, but compared himself and his team to Curious George, even calling themselves "The Chimps". They looked at a massive amount of data and 'looked under each hat' to see if they were surprised by the results and open to what they found.<br />
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What they found was the companies that were GREAT, meaning against the tide of the economy or industy or other factors, that succeeded many time over the average had great leaders. Of course, that is what they expected.<br />
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But... these leaders had an extra WOW factor. What?<br />
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Humility.<br />
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That is wow. These were not celebrity leaders and CEOs, they were humble. Now I want to finish the book. That is what his is all about.. I am wondering how much they delved into faith and what is real. Can't wait to see if the book tells me.Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-88482569329650671732011-10-02T19:00:00.000-07:002011-10-02T19:49:18.620-07:00Why We (I) Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsrGaJCzAVUS_ezo6vNVJo50uFcZn-IpTfBE3_7a85sMPEsr5rQFC_SMPNW81PPUtjfsDKpCqJzcverbW04_0ARnONF1atWh8z_q25f7Q7gpm276eaH_yrYD4_AAiIA_OfHln_vSTJVDA/s1600/boid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsrGaJCzAVUS_ezo6vNVJo50uFcZn-IpTfBE3_7a85sMPEsr5rQFC_SMPNW81PPUtjfsDKpCqJzcverbW04_0ARnONF1atWh8z_q25f7Q7gpm276eaH_yrYD4_AAiIA_OfHln_vSTJVDA/s400/boid.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Why we blog. My inspiration for this post came <a href="http://livingwithoutschool.blogspot.com/2008/09/mummy-porn.html">from Leonie.</a> (Hi Leonie!)<br />
<br />
I have been AWOL from blogging for a long time. I am not going to post any more dumb, boring, silly wimpy excuses why I did not blog because my life is no more busy and overwhelming than any one who is reading this. It is probably due to my serious faults, egoism (perfectionism) and lack of organizational skills, tiredness of staring at the computer screen and a serious lack of abilities to set priorities. <br />
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At this point, I have laid it all out there, so the proof will be if I keep blogging!<br />
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But one thing in particular that caught my eye in Leonie's post was <blockquote>"And blogging helps me. I think and find solutions while writing. While blogging.<br />
<i><br />
Writing about an idea frees me of it. Thinking about it is a circle of repetitions</i>. <b>Mason Cooley</b> </blockquote>"<br />
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That is why I blogged before and why I am back to blogging now.<br />
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I have linked my old blogs in the side bar if you are interested. They are full of sweet and sometimes tense and scary days of Homeschooling---metamorphosis---Unschooling our two sons. Most of them were written when the guys were between 8 and 16. They are now 18 and 21. Yup.<br />
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So, my life is different. I am on the 'other side' in many ways. But still in the midst and sometimes the muck in many just as poignant ways.<br />
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What do I share, what do I not on the internet, which has also leaped into a new stratusphere since my old blogging days? (NOTE: When I last blogged there was no FACEBOOK. yeahh....)<br />
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I asked this of one very pragmatic son this question today.<br />
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"Easy", he said while chewing pizza, "Just don't write anything that you would not mind anyone in the world reading."<br />
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Yeah right. Just like a man. I told him with my best mom's arched eyebrow, I have thinks to say and connections to be made.. I am a female and very relational.<br />
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He kept chewing. <br />
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Ok, thanks for reading this, if you are. More to come... <br />
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P.S. If you read this, could you comment? I have changed my URL so many times I just really am curious if anyone still sees this?Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-68460512406477489592011-03-22T07:42:00.000-07:002011-10-03T10:50:17.941-07:00Question: DogSitting adding free training?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwe0T0cKgBBcg5bY6PcrG1Uohs1yd7gEeqi-ZJDr_Uu5G3D44r8GVNovwqA4YSUMsSo-vM7Nsv96mW5NBW4MUhhAcIRnGt0hT8C5AdSFzGnGUqfPyPOlD3eGRMjt3YuTlSHB2TymMLTtF/s1600/logo.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="108" width="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwe0T0cKgBBcg5bY6PcrG1Uohs1yd7gEeqi-ZJDr_Uu5G3D44r8GVNovwqA4YSUMsSo-vM7Nsv96mW5NBW4MUhhAcIRnGt0hT8C5AdSFzGnGUqfPyPOlD3eGRMjt3YuTlSHB2TymMLTtF/s400/logo.bmp" /></a></div><b><br />
Happier at Home! Pet Sitting</b><br />
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Question for anyone who ever thought about using a dog sitter:<br />
We have a small family petsitting business where we focus on a small amount of clients but stellar, personalized service. We try to be the kind of pet-sitter we would want!<br />
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We go into clients' homes 2-3 times a day for between 10-30 minutes (depending on the level of need/service paid for) and walk, play, feed, whatever the pet needs.<br />
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What if we offered a short training session while visiting? The thought is it would give the dog something stimulating and fun to do (dogs LOVE training) and they would not only get their physical (potty) needs met when we were there, but also their mental needs.<br />
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We would not charge more, but add more value.<br />
We would do 'clicker' training and give our clients a sheet of instructions and free clickers if they want to continue on their own.<br />
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Thoughts?Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-37240122095277510562011-03-21T20:32:00.000-07:002011-10-03T10:48:07.627-07:00Slip a Ham Sandwich Under the DoorNora used to tell us that.<br />
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Nora is a friend on an old mom's email list I attended for years. She has a son, whom she homeschooled. As we talked on our list, she would talk about how he would be so involved as a teen in his projects and her role was to:<br />
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"Slip a ham sandwich under the door.." as he worked.<br />
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Nora, I have thought of you so often and slipped many a sandwich, metaphorically or actually!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVF7jDdL64QgJoK4_UOz32mO6UgWFeUXu72auoXhCc0zOqsYP_dNZS2kg2yeDG0LTLN90z4DaKrQCjdj7pZWC2OZkrdZ-nYDj5T1UgoL8PWlSSpu2OZ-_1NyT8YjYE9oU9s917gkL1R4l/s1600/ham+sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="194" width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVF7jDdL64QgJoK4_UOz32mO6UgWFeUXu72auoXhCc0zOqsYP_dNZS2kg2yeDG0LTLN90z4DaKrQCjdj7pZWC2OZkrdZ-nYDj5T1UgoL8PWlSSpu2OZ-_1NyT8YjYE9oU9s917gkL1R4l/s400/ham+sandwich.jpg" /></a></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-74691414344609715782011-03-21T19:36:00.000-07:002011-03-21T19:40:01.491-07:00St. John Bosco--- need a breath of fresh air?This man influenced me greatly. He is the patron saint of our home/learning, my oldest son's patron saint, I form my parenting by his writings. And, named my nutty dachshund puppy after him. Need more proof?<br />
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(If you want a fresh breeze in your parenting or homeschool, get to know <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bosco">St. John Bosco.</a> Love and discipline (discipleship) in the right order. Together.) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvmROBaCosdauWoX6TwgyZT8AtMRPE_QWCQvOy_gLVCDZvYBHVpV0YyuHHGqHgL39bvxfokaCTFopIzVt4sR4wdbHC-WGZzbrTANacp6KAaGN61o-KAADGdXRChQEKt5pvhhuWcS44Lkg/s1600/bosco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="273" width="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvmROBaCosdauWoX6TwgyZT8AtMRPE_QWCQvOy_gLVCDZvYBHVpV0YyuHHGqHgL39bvxfokaCTFopIzVt4sR4wdbHC-WGZzbrTANacp6KAaGN61o-KAADGdXRChQEKt5pvhhuWcS44Lkg/s400/bosco.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Dear St. John Bosco<br />
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His words bring me back to what is real. Pray for us, St. John Bosco!<br />
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Don Bosco's method of study knew nothing of punishment. Observance of rules was obtained by instilling a true sense of duty, by removing assiduously all occasions for disobedience, and by allowing no effort towards virtue, how trivial soever it might be, to pass unappreciated. He held that the teacher should be father, adviser, and friend, and he was the first to adopt the preventive method.<br />
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Of punishment he said: "As far as possible avoid punishing . . . . try to gain love before inspiring fear." And in 1887 he wrote: "I do not remember to have used formal punishment; and with God's grace I have always obtained, and from apparently hopeless children, not alone what duty exacted, but what my wish simply expressed."<br />
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In one of his books he has discussed the causes of weakness of character, and derives them largely from a misdirected kindness in the rearing of children. Parents make a parade of precocious talents: the child understands quickly, and his sensitiveness enraptures all who meet him, but the parents have only succeeded in producing an affectionate, perfected, intelligent animal.<br />
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The chief object should be to form the will and to temper the character. In all his pupils Don Bosco tried to cultivate a taste for music, believing it to be a powerful and refining influence. "Instruction", he said, "is but an accessory, like a game; knowledge never makes a man because it does not directly touch the heart. It gives more power in the exercise of good or evil; but alone it is an indifferent weapon, wanting guidance."<br />
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He always studied, too, the aptitudes and vocations of his pupils, and to an almost supernatural quickness and clearness of insight into the hearts of children must be ascribed to no small part of his success. In his rules he wrote: "Frequent Confession, frequent Communion, daily Mass: these are the pillars which should sustain the whole edifice of education." Don Bosco was an indefatigable confessor, devoting days to the work among his children. He recognized that gentleness and persuasion alone were not enough to bring to the task of education. He thoroughly believed in play as a means of arousing childish curiosity -- more than this, he places it among his first recommendations, and for the rest he adopted St. Philip Neri's words: "Do as you wish, I do not care so long as you do not sin."<br />
Posted by Cindy at 6:57 AM 0 comments<br />
Labels: faithCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-69124914566957869212011-03-20T18:22:00.000-07:002011-03-20T18:35:41.370-07:00Transformation of the Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xxImpJy0uMvW4DYyrn1VCzqIXvrZ_w_00S2f7WU1J2eeSEVNDVE_z4XEsrEDQPC8MzFQUpQ7Cs5yWvOmRiBmrvLzxf_rZsu6nYrgZiGAPSX41tdpoX2aiOFxsP13gqNKtJ5bZGK3ls3j/s1600/monarch-butterfly-born.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xxImpJy0uMvW4DYyrn1VCzqIXvrZ_w_00S2f7WU1J2eeSEVNDVE_z4XEsrEDQPC8MzFQUpQ7Cs5yWvOmRiBmrvLzxf_rZsu6nYrgZiGAPSX41tdpoX2aiOFxsP13gqNKtJ5bZGK3ls3j/s400/monarch-butterfly-born.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Tonight at Mass, the scriptures were about the Transfiguration of Christ.<br />
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<i><b>"His face shone like the sun."</b> </i><br />
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I love that image.<br />
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Our Deacon talked about transformations. He used the analogy of the caterpillar and butterfly. <br />
<br />
ASIDE: (This reminded me of all the fun we had years ago of planting butterfly weed or milkweed, the monarch butterflies flocking (do butterflies 'flock'?) and watching the whole process as they lay eggs, the chrysalis forms, the butterfly appears.<br />
Lots of great learning memories... <br />
<br />
Strewing Hint for those who have not done this yet! What is Strewing? <a href="http://livingwithoutschool.blogspot.com/2011/01/strewing-nooks.html">Look Here</a> )<br />
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This reality really resonated as we spent the evening watching the golden sunset after a beautiful day. The words were real, our God loves us.<br />
Change our hearts, Lord, transform us!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-47767327726877587742011-03-20T11:51:00.000-07:002011-03-20T11:59:39.046-07:00BuddyWe have dog-sat Buddy since his puppyhood. When his family needed to find him a new place to live, we stepped right up.<br />
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He goes back to his 'first family' when we travel. One dog- two loving homes. Lucky dog!<br />
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His favorite hang out is in our 'window room'. At the front of our 70's two story house we have this odd little room that is actually a hallway between two bedrooms, but has floor to ceiling windows.<br />
<br />
There Buddy does sentry duty. He watches the front yard and neighborhood most day and night. We feel safe.<br />
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He is a great dog, very sweet. Only dog I ever had who asks permission before coming in a room, jumping on a bed or taking a treat out of my hand. Love you, Buddy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XecS2wzzABTG9Ax9NbXI5F4nRI6wCLJ8513u74vaMl_XIrs8R-MklTC-3tKrWaD65aHAtxk2S7n2YI_ahqjRvEd3t69jNRDZIxi8G4_ip1taFGpKNMxTo70n8BaR53_ysl6IX86gEtyh/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XecS2wzzABTG9Ax9NbXI5F4nRI6wCLJ8513u74vaMl_XIrs8R-MklTC-3tKrWaD65aHAtxk2S7n2YI_ahqjRvEd3t69jNRDZIxi8G4_ip1taFGpKNMxTo70n8BaR53_ysl6IX86gEtyh/s400/065.JPG" /></a></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-84970932898334241032011-03-20T09:23:00.000-07:002011-03-20T11:58:37.679-07:00The Dachshunds of Lent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.insidecatholic.com/images/stories/article_images/dachsunds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="394" width="690" src="http://www.insidecatholic.com/images/stories/article_images/dachsunds.jpg" /></a></div>Thank you Sabine and Jan for alerting me to <a href="http://www.insidecatholic.com/feature/the-dachsunds-of-lent.html">This Article.</a><br />
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Humm.. Lent, Journeys, Dachshunds, dog-sitting business... how in the world could you have related that to me?!<br />
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I enjoyed <a href="http://http://www.insidecatholic.com/feature/the-dachsunds-of-lent.html">This Article </a>immensely as the dog-walking, philosophizing author considers how walking his charges with various temperaments, reminds him of the struggle we all have with our virtues, vices, personalities and desires as we live in a world with excesses the ready and are constantly urged to do 'what feels good.'<br />
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I love reading about the personalities of the two dachshunds he walks along the streets of Manhattan. I can't profess to be as deep or quite the writer he is, but I could relate and resonate very much to his words.<br />
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I love our petsitting business. I must admit I generally enjoy the dogs more than the cats, (because most cats won't play), but they are convenient for my schedule with their litter box system in place.<br />
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What do I love about it?<br />
<br />
<br />
- Sharing it with my sons <br />
<br />
-I love dogs. As a little girl I would cut picture of dogs out of magazines and had an ever-growing gallery scotch-taped to my bedroom wall. oOe of my goals in life is to get to know one of every breed. (better get busy)<br />
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-Love the families we serve.<br />
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-Feel like we truly help them. I am the petsitter I have always wished I had. (really)<br />
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-My sons enjoy the extra money and it is teaching them about business, professionalism and customer service. When a visit was missed, (first time that happened) the responsible son had to fess up to the owner in person and offer retribution. <br />
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-Spiritual growth. Yes, I never dreamed! One thing we tell our clients (or their owners) is we fit the sit for them. What does THIS dog need to keep him/her de-stressed. Could be: walks, throwing a ball, sit and scratch ears, or just showing up.<br />
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-It is humbling to serve the needs of a dog. (Think poop. Or getting up early on a day you otherwise would not have to.)<br />
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-These visits cause me to slow down. Sometimes when I visit a dog and we sit in the empty house, he just wanting some lap-time or ear-scratches, I will bring my reading and have quiet time to think and pray. Unlike home, there are no dirty dishes, laundry or computer calling me. We sit, talk, and just be. Sometimes I sing to them. <br />
<br />
- The walks are wonderful. We are out, and I am always conscience of their safety and they are just having a blast. Sniff-fests, meet and greets, devouring the neighborhood. Like the author, I see a lot of life and personalities. I have to adjust the walk for the dog, help him keep safe within his temperament, but have as much fun as he can without 'sinning', as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bosco">St. John Bosco </a>would advise.<br />
<br />
Best of all, when we show up to a house, with the owners far away, across the state, country or world, or maybe just off to work all day, our clients are always happy to see us.<br />
<br />
Can't beat that!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-4347999668692313312011-03-19T08:08:00.000-07:002011-03-20T11:59:25.127-07:00A Little Way of Homeschooling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ68HwJmGJP3pajbx88e0iAbuVLO3ypvOsoCK-B2dRhXk-aNodlL3BqMZAMbaOHB8kQly8LKwP91lZ_a-H1_Cb5gYnPvUQQcodtQ-w4HP-DaeMovm485XudAsnH9XwYXe43OnKfvnG8KzG/s1600/littleway_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ68HwJmGJP3pajbx88e0iAbuVLO3ypvOsoCK-B2dRhXk-aNodlL3BqMZAMbaOHB8kQly8LKwP91lZ_a-H1_Cb5gYnPvUQQcodtQ-w4HP-DaeMovm485XudAsnH9XwYXe43OnKfvnG8KzG/s400/littleway_cover.jpg" /></a></div>I think a big part of my spiritual journey, and the ongoing journey of raising children has been beautifully summarized in , <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=105">St. Therese' Liseiux</a>- "Little Way"<br />
<br />
Now it has come back to me, gently, with love and friendships in a new book, just published <br />
<br />
<a href="http://hillsideeducation.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=380"> A Little Way of Homeschooling:<br />
Thirteen Families Discover Catholic Unschooling </a><br />
<br />
I wish you could see what went on the the background of the creation of this book. I only have a small glimpse of it, the glimpse of being one of the homeschool moms Suzie Andres approached to see if we could 'write a chapter'. I have known Suzie through email lists and forums for years and we *almost* met a few times, :)<br />
<br />
The other 11 moms and I have known each other for years and years as well. Some I know just as fellow posters on various lists, others I have become very dear friends with and met in person. We all have one thing in common. We are in love with our faith, in love with our vocation and struggling mightily each day to raise our children, understand them and help them be who the are called to be.<br />
<br />
Well, in addition to that, in one way or another we were drawn to unschooling. My chapter ended up being an autobiography of sorts. I had all these great ideas to really make this incredible insightful, power-packed chapter. But, St. Terese stepped in. Little. Be little. That is what homeschooling for 15 years has finally impressed upon me... I am so little. Life is little. Little is sweet and where the most humongous sweetness is. Bigger love than mighty things can ever bring.<br />
<br />
This was hard for me because I was raised in the ME generation of the 70s and 80s and went to business school to learn how to be a VP of something one day. <br />
<br />
<b>Big big big. </b><br />
<br />
I am continuing to learn that God does expect big things of us, but we have to be little to let him determine how we are to be big.<br />
<br />
Big-little-big-little.. this explains a recurring dream since childhood I have had- almost like an Alice in Wonderland thing.. feeling very tiny, then growing big, then feeling tiny. <br />
<br />
Back to the book- Suzie asked, we each wrote a chapter, some of us with more trepidation than others. I had grand ideas, ended up with a rather simple account then I wondered 'who would buy this book'? But, when I read the whole thing, I saw the stories, some simple as mine, were powerful in their simplicity and honesty. <br />
<br />
Then, we have the beautiful insights from Suzie and her husband Tony who is a professor at St. Thomas Aquinas Academy in California. I wish he had explained unschooling to me, as he has done in the chapter he contributed, years ago as I struggled with the entire concept, wondering if I was truly loving my kids or ruining them... but then, I think it is all about the journey.<br />
<br />
Oh.. good blog title!<br />
<br />
I have loved this journey. <br />
<br />
I invite you all to read our little book. I will post more about the behind the scenes of how it came together in another post. <br />
<br />
But for now, please read, enjoy, share. Your stories are part of this, too.Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-44184194471706056052011-03-06T08:33:00.000-08:002011-03-19T08:46:03.113-07:00Lent, Again...Yes, I have been remiss in blogging. <br />
<br />
I blame lots of things: Lack of time, new job, Facebook...<br />
<br />
I love my homeschool community dearly and have kept up on the UC list, and many of them are now chatting on Facebook. However I do miss blogging. So now I hope I am 'back'.<br />
<br />
Funny as I had to guess at my blogspot password, and finally got back in, my son looked over my shoulder and said, "You haven't blogged in a while. That was back when we had Sprite" - referring to the doggy picture post.<br />
<br />
Yes, and also I see I had a picture up for Lent.. as that was Lent 2011. <br />
<br />
Well, I am back and look forward to reconnecting and sharing our lives.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
CindyCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-45587729597304899112010-03-29T07:49:00.001-07:002010-03-29T07:50:55.912-07:00Awesome student video on Liberal vs. Progressive Educaiton<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qoFlzh-Nq2Q&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qoFlzh-Nq2Q&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-7637063138416971192010-03-28T08:05:00.000-07:002011-03-19T08:46:03.113-07:00Reflecting on Palm Sunday<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9dUxNWfSk52AlpwYBfjlz5NpxkPMm77Ep4rYan3biRIDDgwDB583tMsmsFnZFB0oTsy8jrXsw1AUrHSEyjKuNioXrOKQRHKn7M6FVDxvkNchswXbijHrs60kv98rF0aQemS_ZSYSsVxX/s1600/palm+sunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9dUxNWfSk52AlpwYBfjlz5NpxkPMm77Ep4rYan3biRIDDgwDB583tMsmsFnZFB0oTsy8jrXsw1AUrHSEyjKuNioXrOKQRHKn7M6FVDxvkNchswXbijHrs60kv98rF0aQemS_ZSYSsVxX/s320/palm+sunday.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica;">"Dear Lord, today we remember Your triumphant journey into Jerusalem, but let us not turn our backs on you in the coming days, weeks, months and years as the rejoicing crowd did after that day! Help us to stay on our journey with You day by day. Keep us ever faithful to our commitment to spend more time with you.</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica;">To give just an hour a day in Your company through prayer and the scriptures, and perhaps even an hour a week keeping You company in front of Your Divine Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Help us to forgo the temptation to return to our lazy ways when this Lenten Period is over. Into Your Hands Dear Lord I commend my spirit!."</span>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-66795462030798512612010-03-22T07:52:00.000-07:002011-03-20T11:58:37.680-07:00Joy on a bottle of BBQ Sauce?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0JAJWzJBDqRCCC_efQjZEaHK0Ba5ux76hJJOwBUDyKOVKz9YEilWwd_tvk2sh-HtQGI3gtUzO-MliR-c5-2pW6s6EhN0X2DaKTJ1gkjPXe3cNbLMm5ewz_P6O-0bhEV0NvyaRTUE2NRO/s1600-h/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0JAJWzJBDqRCCC_efQjZEaHK0Ba5ux76hJJOwBUDyKOVKz9YEilWwd_tvk2sh-HtQGI3gtUzO-MliR-c5-2pW6s6EhN0X2DaKTJ1gkjPXe3cNbLMm5ewz_P6O-0bhEV0NvyaRTUE2NRO/s320/002.JPG" /></a></div>I guess we are officially fostering the two homeless dogs. The neighborhood is helping but we don't have a home yet and I today I call shelters in earnest.<br />
<br />
The girls have calmed down a bit (they were very jumpy and the rain this weekend turned into a mudfest) but they have calmed. I think they are grateful for shelter, a routine, some love and scheduled meals. I think everyone appreciates that. <br />
<br />
It is still a challenge as our resident indoor dog, Ralphie has lost access completely to the backyard as we have not have them checked for worms or whatever else a stray dog might have. And getting to our garage is always an adventure, which we do often since we have a fridge out there.<br />
<br />
Last night at dinner I proclaimed we need to name these dogs.<br />
"I am tired of calling them Mama Dog and Little Pup." I stated with passion.<br />
<br />
So we went around for 15 minutes coming up with names and everyone vetoed everyone else. Dh kept naming them after relatives: first after the grandmothers, then after the sisters in law.<br />
<br />
<br />
Oldest son was coming up with medievel names or those after characters he has created.<br />
<br />
I was going after movie stars.<br />
<br />
<br />
Finally youngest son looked at the table and said:<br />
"How about Spite for the puppy." we liked it.<br />
"And Joy for the mom." we agreed.<br />
<br />
<br />
Then we laughed- the names came off his soft drink can and the back of the BBQ sauce bottle. They talk about joy on the BBQ, well that is ok.<br />
So, now to find Joy and Sprite a home. Dh just told me she is digging out of the yard. Need to accelerate the search!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-6687189212093303852010-03-21T05:42:00.000-07:002011-03-20T11:59:39.046-07:00A Strong Woman...Well- here I find myself often trying to be the former in these lists... and really need God's grace to strive for the latter. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3HYkW8XyeIeWJjS2d7ohcVfZOd4eEdqqB3wtqfpPNkiL3rqK5m-heFsFuOSwz18oH1NfFHpxzRQU6IvcwrMJyIBXRleX9-EKO2KW70UuVF5JyIWBApLtoTi4j0C20YGEceQFHmJms2Z7/s1600-h/rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3HYkW8XyeIeWJjS2d7ohcVfZOd4eEdqqB3wtqfpPNkiL3rqK5m-heFsFuOSwz18oH1NfFHpxzRQU6IvcwrMJyIBXRleX9-EKO2KW70UuVF5JyIWBApLtoTi4j0C20YGEceQFHmJms2Z7/s320/rose.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr><td width="5"></td> <td><span style="font-family: Arial;"> A strong woman works out everyday to keep her body in shape…<br />
But a woman of strength builds relationships to keep her soul in shape<br />
<br />
A strong woman isn't afraid of anything…<br />
But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of fear.<br />
<br />
A strong woman won't let anyone get the better of her…<br />
But a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone.<br />
<br />
A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future…<br />
A woman of strength realises life's mistakes can also be unexpected blessings, and capitalises on them<br />
<br />
A strong woman wears a look of confidence on her face…<br />
But a woman of strength wears grace.<br />
<br />
A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey…<br />
But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong. <br />
<br />
--- <span style="color: green; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b>Copyright © 2005 Dee Cheeks </b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-69479475406486030202010-03-21T04:14:00.000-07:002010-03-21T04:16:02.212-07:00Sharing the JOY of learning... we can change these statsThe twilight of American Culture: �2000, by Morris Berman <br />
National Science Foundation: Oct. 1995 <br />
58% said electrons are larger than Atoms.<br />
63% believe humans and dinosaurs lived at the same time. <br />
53% believe the Earth revolves around the Sun in a day or month, while only 47 % had the correct answer, one year. <br />
91% cannot state what a molecule is. <br />
42% or Americans cannot find Japan on a map. (Garrison Keillor NPR, 22 March 1997)<br />
15% could not find the U.S.A. on a map. (Garrison Keillor NPR, 22 March 1997)<br />
40% of Americans were not aware that Germany was part of World War Two. <br />
(NY Times, 1995)<br />
58% of high school students cannot understand a newspaper editorial.<br />
84% of college seniors could not answer which President ignited the Korean War. <br />
50% of high school students were void of knowledge of the Cold War. (US Dept. of Education, 1995)<br />
60% of students had not clue how the U.S.A. was formed. (US Dept. of Education, 1995)<br />
41% of teens cannot name the three branches of government. (National Constitution Cent. 1998)<br />
50% of students in the 1990’s National Assessment of Education Program cannot give the time line of the Civil War. <br />
21% of adults believe that the Sun revolved around the Earth, while 7% could not decide either way. (Northern IL, University survey of two thousand random adults)<br />
49th � Is the ranking of the US out of 158 countries, by the UN, when it pertains to Literacy. <br />
60% of Americans never read a book of any form.<br />
6% of Americans read a book a year.Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-17379263314303004532010-03-20T17:31:00.000-07:002011-03-20T11:58:37.680-07:00Doggy Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7NoKhA0JEa9vntwomP3ssgfI_6ZjL_CG3MOxbjW9G91Jw4F9cTv3FdXE4Qkp2ltP1POPMtbjBYYcJD5YQUAOY44nF4zAF7cW3q6uldaVvOBW4JwrhiSV_42X7BaEAiU_iBckwiMn7vMS/s1600-h/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7NoKhA0JEa9vntwomP3ssgfI_6ZjL_CG3MOxbjW9G91Jw4F9cTv3FdXE4Qkp2ltP1POPMtbjBYYcJD5YQUAOY44nF4zAF7cW3q6uldaVvOBW4JwrhiSV_42X7BaEAiU_iBckwiMn7vMS/s320/001.JPG" /></a></div>Well, the story of the lost dogs continues. They showed up in our driveway and are sweet as can be. Mother dog is friendly and intelligent. Pup is cute as a button. They are so sweet together, play and mother keeps daughter out of trouble.<br />
<br />
We asked around the neighborhood and it seems they are neglected. What happened to the other pups? No telling. We have heard stories of the mother resucing the pup from behind a car that was backing out (picking Pup up by the scruff of the neck and carrying her to safety!) and other stories. When we heard it all my son commented it sounded like a Disney movie.. <br />
<br />
It just drives me crazy how people are so careless. Listen up! Spay and neuter your pets! And if you take on an animal, care for it! ARGH!<br />
<br />
We may have a foster home for them, but if that does not work out, we will have to find a shelter soon. It is not too great as they have taken over the backyard and do not mix well with our resident dog who is now relegated to the indoors. Also every time we head through the breezeway to the garage refridgerator for something we are bombarded with muddy paws! Yikes..<br />
<br />
<br />
Good news is I think they are very adoptable. Used to volunteer in a shelter and pups go fast. Mom is adoptable, too. Just wish they could stay togehter... don't know if dogs really care, but they seem to be so close.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAFFRy_DVO52AtyFA0EmvaTUQuxfiQEXzotrLdC4Mrheeg-UZq5oIqEUwJSUNhldB_EnVsFBE0huKr56kHYKQ9a4z4oAZNO07riQrFX2PZ-GWNdtMOQAQYiG5TtrfeHQCGt75KyS85Od1/s1600-h/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAFFRy_DVO52AtyFA0EmvaTUQuxfiQEXzotrLdC4Mrheeg-UZq5oIqEUwJSUNhldB_EnVsFBE0huKr56kHYKQ9a4z4oAZNO07riQrFX2PZ-GWNdtMOQAQYiG5TtrfeHQCGt75KyS85Od1/s320/001.JPG" /></a></div>Please say a little prayer they find just the right home.Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-82839988462431980612010-03-16T18:42:00.000-07:002010-03-16T18:44:55.424-07:00Wonder"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." ~Albert Einstein<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvBblwXoMeSXhz69oLCM0QaGVedPFQ5ZipaU2g85CuB4kJ9mQd8klyau-41lQw0jETyQSMzyXmFGXqOLhsoryfZqTLr6umTc8lfJo3fq2no76PCmQbWmgw6u1wzaB7-BtMlwC9wk01xev/s1600-h/universe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvBblwXoMeSXhz69oLCM0QaGVedPFQ5ZipaU2g85CuB4kJ9mQd8klyau-41lQw0jETyQSMzyXmFGXqOLhsoryfZqTLr6umTc8lfJo3fq2no76PCmQbWmgw6u1wzaB7-BtMlwC9wk01xev/s400/universe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-1084625405146051042010-03-16T18:14:00.000-07:002010-03-16T18:17:06.260-07:00To CLEP or Not to CLEP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJw9YXPpmMCkGeJdyGzT-bEYRvgI6EEDWHB_55ppAC4WLug0UH66r7zMv5CVfQ0CZtmflrKXU5d43SsLPLT5IGtLExX_wXDDm-3jaQxUbYxwJCMQxu-ibAtJzYX5n9X0MPeWP5uWw1n0L/s1600-h/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJw9YXPpmMCkGeJdyGzT-bEYRvgI6EEDWHB_55ppAC4WLug0UH66r7zMv5CVfQ0CZtmflrKXU5d43SsLPLT5IGtLExX_wXDDm-3jaQxUbYxwJCMQxu-ibAtJzYX5n9X0MPeWP5uWw1n0L/s320/books.jpg" /></a></div>My sons had planned on tackling the English Literature CLEP this week, but alas the local college where they take tests was booked up due to Spring Break. And, there they were, all studied up and no where to go.<br />
<br />
Humm... someone forgot to call ahead? The overbearing mom in me is dying to speak those words! <br />
<br />
So, they are having a hiatus week. But, such is life and so cool to see them organize their time and really enjoy their time off. Work hard, play hard and all that. They will have to shift their schedule and tell their coach. :)<br />
<br />
Found a neat book called "Painless Poetry" that should help. That poetry is a bear... I think most of those guys were really depressed a few hundred years ago when they wrote the stuff. I apologize to any English majors reading this.<br />
<br />
I think one of the best things of this experience for them is taking their education further into their own hands. They set a goal, they are getting there.Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-30242569226080509542010-03-14T10:45:00.000-07:002011-03-20T11:59:39.047-07:00Date with my 16yo son to Casting Crowns Concerts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XQHEdbu_zhNKhewYsLdwYS0rfbk1UseR7gpoJkBEobNs0SQAPldLrwZZxtdkSE3xPjsi6steOzoHhk2U1U0yJm_sSGUIR4SaG0IJqu53RLtVRENpTDJLCcqcnPjOFpNFCZbFDowwPGWo/s1600-h/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XQHEdbu_zhNKhewYsLdwYS0rfbk1UseR7gpoJkBEobNs0SQAPldLrwZZxtdkSE3xPjsi6steOzoHhk2U1U0yJm_sSGUIR4SaG0IJqu53RLtVRENpTDJLCcqcnPjOFpNFCZbFDowwPGWo/s320/034.JPG" /></a></div>I was in San Antonio all week with the absolutely wonderful people at College Plus!, but bee-lined it home Friday afternoon to catch the Casting Crowns concert with my son.<br />
<br />
What mom could resist an invitation from their teen son to attend a concert? Plus I am a huge fan of Casting Crowns. Awesome music, enough edge and some 80s rock feel to me, plus the message is awesome. Mark Hall the lead singer and songwriter knows about the cross.. and how we have to embrace it every day to find the pure joy.<br />
<br />
He cracked me up when he said he not only had ADHD but dyslexia... how school was so hard for him but God can do anything with any of us.... all us imperfect people running around here. He said his double-whammy LD was so cruel.. even if he could read (dyslexia), it would not matter because he could not pay attention! (ADHD)<br />
<br />
If they come to town go see them (Cay, this means you!)--- humble, funny, great music.<br />
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Oh and Bryan and I laughed that this crowd was the nicest group of people you would ever want to see. Polite, happy and just really kewl!<span id="goog_1268587730663"></span><span id="goog_1268587730664"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOI8OnxnGqyVycMchdWSZzwA_niU4wx1Qh1Z6TxpNiD8-3pIZiR2vqbUDfVPCFPXu-KC9Iviy_qeTgXT15UfAy4QdjDxwb9qn5186CWHqeD62vP1qPBj92bWh0E9bsB87GUAS_f_lh-KA/s1600-h/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOI8OnxnGqyVycMchdWSZzwA_niU4wx1Qh1Z6TxpNiD8-3pIZiR2vqbUDfVPCFPXu-KC9Iviy_qeTgXT15UfAy4QdjDxwb9qn5186CWHqeD62vP1qPBj92bWh0E9bsB87GUAS_f_lh-KA/s320/033.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1beXr8Ays7ee8GCpoUUPP20u-FRxyk3uY5wnb6BoPAMM9lZcG7LyKyoGvppbBI3akLfbOVD7JaJTmsOa-7g5Zzg4wW5WJIvRdHMSbxi9eO-QBHspPFkIdI_iqbVPaGl8NWwE4VfIuyros/s1600-h/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1beXr8Ays7ee8GCpoUUPP20u-FRxyk3uY5wnb6BoPAMM9lZcG7LyKyoGvppbBI3akLfbOVD7JaJTmsOa-7g5Zzg4wW5WJIvRdHMSbxi9eO-QBHspPFkIdI_iqbVPaGl8NWwE4VfIuyros/s320/032.JPG" /></a>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699023822091306845.post-26390020991965271622010-03-14T09:41:00.000-07:002010-03-14T09:41:52.632-07:00Welcome to my blog!Hello friends, old and new!<br />
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I am beginning on a new blogspot site and am glad you found me! All my old homeschooling friends.. thanks for following me here and sorry for the url change. Long story. Sometimes technology just causes problems, but I hope to keep this my home.<br />
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For my new friends.. welcome! Glad you all are here. Please comment and let me know your blog, twitter, facebook... and I love to learn about new resources... please share!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
CindyCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00889299687693914699noreply@blogger.com0