Homeschooling in Houston and A Convention Texas Style!

It was an interesting event to say the least. I went to the same Convention 4 years back and I guess the first thing that stood out to me was how many more people are now homeschooling. The 2nd thing was how many of them were dads! So here you can see two homeschooling dads here in Houston. I am so proud of them!

The governor opened the meetings and explained all he has done to help us here. He actually just vetoed a bill that some opponents of HS slipped past. It had been passed by the House and the Senate. The bill was not all that bad but opponets of Homeschooling had slipped in something that would have seriously affected our freedoms- hoping no one would notice. It was noticed and so many people wrote, called and emailed that he vetoed the entire bill. God bless him for doing the right thing.
We were right up there in the fourth row for his opening address. Now, any Californians reading this may wish Perry was their Governor and not Arnie. Sorry.....you might want to consider moving.

Here is an enthusiastic attendee on the first day. They made him put the sign back or pay a photo op fee...Ha! Actually this Grandaddy homeschooling dad (everybody say Amen!) called off all his appointments and attended all 3 days. His favorite speaker was the WHY GUY ( Tom Clark- the Algebra whiz.) Tom was Teresa's favorite speaker too He makes Algebra understandable and FUN!. In fact Teresa wanted to sit in the front row-with me- and took notes! A enthusiastic teacher makes all the difference. We visited with him afterwards. Teresa was a rare attendee. She was in the classes, right up front , impressing the speakers. She attended a few classes on her own while we were in another.The rest of the teens were involved in the organization of things, helping with the kids program and passing out handouts etc. but I am so glad she attended the classes. In truth, she was the main reason I attended!
Brian (Brain on his nametag) was great. He is a Grammarian and had a program called Write at Home.He had a small hall but should of had a bigger one! Here Teresa is after class asking a question.
A bit lost. Don't worry. It all worked out. Right around the corner was the free coffee display and everyone perked up.
Last day- just before the last class. Ah yes, I can say I was so happy to meet so many dedicated folks and see what's happening in their lives. Homeschooling has come a long ways. I guess one other thing that stood out to me, was how open the speakers were against the Public school system. When I attended in 2004, there was just one speaker that I noticed having such outspoken fervor. This time it was just about in every class. On top of that, so many of the people were educated speakers themselves. Well, I have a lot to think about but I am so thankful Teresa went and is sold out on continuing her Highschool at home. That alone made it worth it all. I have a lot to think about but I am so excited about Teresa's last 2 HS Years and thankfully- she is too!

GI Bill

Starting August, Tim will be getting more benefits. He had a hard year last year- studying and working at Krogers to make ends meet. The added benefits will allow a lot of returning soldiers to actually afford college so he is happy about that...and he doesn't have to work. The school he will be attending is called the Magnolia Campus. I think it is the University of Oklahoma but it is right on the border so Texan's can attend without the extra fees.

We will soon have an Accountant in the family. He can do all of our taxes!

How busy is too busy?

How can we fight forgetfulness?

Our days have been so full here that we both didn't even remember our wedding anniversary until 5 days later and....it wasn't even me that remembered! That's getting pretty bad I suppose. Well, w e have not celebrated yet but the date was July 15th and we were married in 1973 so I guess that makes us dinosaurs.

The funny thing was that I was busy that week working on organizing a birthday party for someone else( in my spare time that is). The good news is that went very well. We had James at the barbecue pit with Ka bobs of 3 different meats. Amber made a Mediterranean salad and Arabic rice. My addition was spiced up eggs, dips and "all the shopping" That had to count for something. Then we had Kelsie make the cake. As we were all big cake eaters, Lolli ( the life of the party) showed up with a Strawberry cake and we all convened to the yard for a hilarious fun feast that I am sure was quite an entertainment for the neighbors- especially since Teresa decorated the yard with Christmas lights and Texas red chile lights.

Guess whose birthday...yes it was our Uncle Mark, who faithfully begins reminding us of his birthday the day after Christmas. How old you ask? Well, let it be enough to say that he is younger than I am and wasn't around for when Seabiscuit won the triple crown and Shirley Temple tap danced down the stairs with Mr Bojangles.

Anyway, that is all to say, I guess we were just having too much fun to realize we were passing by yet another personal milestone.

Summer fun and thots

Our little home is bursting at the seams with visitors. That's life in the summertime and what a life. We have 2 more little kids and their mom visiting from India. They are so articulate. Are all kids from India little Professors and future Bollywood stars? They are so entertaining. Chantal (2) and Maya (4). I would not have been surprised if Chantal had been named Nadia. They love dogs and have no fear so the Canine population is happy for the most part. Sheba has determined that Maya has some other intention besides kindness and gives her famous "puppy disciplining growl".
I just heard that Allen is going in the pool alone. This is a major advance. I think he was inspired by Selena's swimming trophy this year. Much to everyone's surprise, our humble little team, won the District Championship. It seems that since Jason and Teresa left the team, they have new Stars. Ha! They were great on getting points for their teams as they faithfully won or placed high, but their team usually lost anyhow.

Also, we are picking up a trampoline today! We have been wanting one for so long. I will place our hammock under the nearby tree, sip lemonade and watch the kids jump and jump and jump? Would it look odd for a granny to be up there jumping? I just forget I am older until I take the time to look in the mirror. Then I stop and break out the Make up bag I have neglected- just kidding. I do look in the mirror more frequently. I just wait until nightfall or dim the lights.

Actually. I don't mind growing older at all. I find so many joys in life that I didn't notice before or maybe just didn't take time before. I love being with people even more but I treasure my quiet moments. I do see things a lot differently. I do wish young people weren't so afraid of older folks. I do hear so many odd comments. On this point, for anyone who enjoyed " The Notebook", I read the book written about Noah's family after. It's called "The Wedding". I keep so few books as I have so little time to read. Nevertheless, I have a small collection ( now 7) of my favorites. This one has been added. I found it well worth reading....and keeping.....and recommending.

A dear friend passed away a few days ago. Gary Spaulding will be missed by many and especially his family. They are wonderful people. Life goes on.....and I am so thankful for this reminder too. I want to make my moments count as we never really know when He will call us to the other side. Gary loved the Lord and made such an impression on everyone he met. My first encounter with him was in 1972. For a short time, I worked together with him and was assigned to be a driver for him in the big city of Dallas.

Hey, I am still hearing so many good reactions from "the Shack" We just got a copy of the Audio. (thanks Perla)It's so great on so many points. I have heard it helping so many on the point of forgiveness.

PS to my last post- here is Violet as she is bravely using her new found "mountain goat"training skills to tackle Quarter Dome. Getting up was easy but getting down was a different "slide on the rear". Ouch! Yesterday, you saw my boots. Well here is the living proof that I was an Official Yosemite Hiker!

I had to stop. Somewhere along the line, I forgot I have a terrible fear of heights. I was doing fine until it all came back in a flash and I felt like I was falling into the raging Merced River. I tried a few tricks to try and continue so I could reach the top like everyone else. I made it a few more steps before I had to gingerly work my way back down .

Trying to look like I am in good condition and not out of breath.

A borrowed pair of trail conquering boots and.....

These boots did a lot of walking this last May. I would like to boast and say " they climbed treacherous mountain cliffs, braved slippery slopes, forded snow-melt swollen and icy torrents, stayed firmly on the trails inspite of sudden summer deluges and logged many miles".

Well, yes they did all that in a modified sort of way. The enclosed feet, not used to being restricted in such a way, responded with stinging red blisters. Ha! Such wonderful family, exciting scenery and bliss soothed it all away! Thank God for Mountain Boots!


Thank you Nadia and Justin for doing so much to make our Yosemite trip so fun- even down to the last detail.

I have so many pictures and don't know where to begin. The kids were all so photogentic but I wondered if I would be stealing Maya and Nadia's thunder if I posted all my grandkids pics. So, I will start with my own kid's pics. Yeah Teresa! I may hear about this tomorrow. She always feels I pick on her.

I will just post a few.

In all my "horse days" as a kid, I can't even remember seeing a live mule. They have always intrigued me as they are tooted as being so versitile. When I saw Teresa's potential mount on her trailride, I wondered if she would be disappointed. Madonna and Teresa got along famously. She was so good natured, firm footed and really knew the trails.

Madonna of Yosemite.

Next installment coming soon.

She is almost 16 and I have been promising driving lessons. My dad beat me to it. August 13th is the big day. Grandfathers are known for bravery.
My dad lost his license a while back as he failed the vision test. His eyes improved and he now has his license back. He passed! Teresa and Jude really enjoyed Grandpa's "wheels."
So, Teresa is learning from a pro. She missed all the ancient walnut trees, spared the bee hives (thankfully) and had a thrill. It's a beautiful little tractor and beats the Go cart she used to speed around in at Malibu Park.