TexasTanya

Some of my titles include: Wife, Mom to Woody (8) and Tigger(6), Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Christian, Conservative, Texan, Family Director, Homeschooler, Foster and Adoptive Mom, Nurse, Photographer, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, House Maid, Laundress, Gardener, Home Organizer, Beagle-Lover, Global Warming Non-Believer, Iced Tea Fan and Coffee Devotee of our local Pirate Coffee Company.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

 Life, Love & Everything Else  No Responses »
Oct 122011
 

We went on a field trip to the Meyerson Symphony Center this morning to see the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  It was wonderful – definitelyone of my favorite field trips of the year.  I am so glad my parents exposed me to Classical music when I was a child.  I think that is why I appreciate it so, and take my children to programs like the one offered today.

On the way home we drove through the streets of Dallas.  In order to get on the right freeway out of town, I ended up driving by Dealey Plaza.  As we waited at a stop light, I was explaining the historical significance of the Book Depository to the boys.  I explained that the building grounds would likely have quite a few people milling about, because it was the location of a significant and tragic moment in our nation’s history.  I told them that some of the visitors there would likely be people who remember the event happening.  They asked if I remembered it, and I explained that it happened before I was born – so, no I didn’t remember the assassination of JFK.

Then Tigger pipes up and says, “Wow, those people must be really old.”

Yep, nothing like a 7-year-old to zap somber feelings. :)

 Posted by TexasTanya at 4:31 pm

Confused Dog

 Life, Love & Everything Else  2 Responses »
Oct 112011
 

In an effort to get back on the FlyLady wagon, I began implementing the “make your bed” part of her routine this week.  My little foot-warmer, Macie, didn’t know what to think.  She’s used to snoozing under the covers until she feels like getting up. When I started to make the bed, she just stayed there.

Notice the lump on the left side of the bed.

The “lump” is on the move!

Ah, there’s my girl!

 

 

 Posted by TexasTanya at 1:17 pm

Homeschool Journal 10/9/11

 Homeschool  1 Response »
Oct 092011
 

In my life this week…
We had quite an unusual week.

The boys and I had a blast visiting the State Fair.  We started the day by buying Dr. Pepper on our way there so that we could get the Tuesday deal of $4 tickets with an empty DP can. I think we squeezed every penny of enjoyment out of our ticket cost as we arrived at 11am and left at 8:45pm.  We saw almost everything that was on my to-do list: entries in the various livestock categories, many entries in the Creative Arts categories (quilting, canning, photography, knitting, crochet, even a few Lego creations), awards being given for entries in the Candy division (no, there were no samples),  the butter sculpture, a BMX bike show, the Birds of Prey show, the butterfly exhibit, the USMC band, the pig races, the Midway, many food booths, the evening parade, and light/pyrotechnic show.  We didn’t do any of the rides.  The only one I would have done was the huge Ferris wheel, but the cost was more than my budget this year.  We did have the requisite food-on-a-stick, so the boys were happy.

Thursday morning bright and early, the repair crew arrived for our foundation.  Unfortunately, they took longer than expected to do the job so we missed Homeschool Day at the zoo.  I hope we can make our own zoo day happen in the very near future.

Saturday morning the boys sold Cub Scout popcorn at our favorite coffee place, Pirate Coffee Company.  They had a blast and they sold lots of popcorn.  I enjoyed it because I got to watch my little salesmen in action and I was able to spend the morning hanging out with friends.

Saturday afternoon Hubby was in a car accident in Dallas.  The three cars that were involved are likely going to be totaled.  Which makes it all the more amazing that everyone in the vehicles walked away and there were no injuries.  Both of Hubby’s airbags deployed, the front bumper was moved into the engine compartment, the fenders pushed back so that the doors wouldn’t open and the hood has a new scoop.

After surveying the damage to Hubby’s truck, and considering the vehicle’s age, we’re pretty sure they are going to “total” it.  We are certain that repair costs will be more than the value of the truck.  So, he went car shopping Saturday night.  He now has a new-to-us Tacoma truck.  Which means that our gasoline bill should be decreasing. :)

Some of the best news of the week was that between last night and this morning we’ve received 1.4 inches of rain.  Seeing the radar map with a huge swath of green over the greater part of Texas was a very welcome sight.  It looks like there might be more in store this week – all of it is welcome.

In our homeschool this week…
For school, we had a Geography heavy week.  We let the boys work on their Cub Scout activities.  Both boys completed Map & Compass, Geography, and a few others.

For this week’s library trip, I required the boys to get one biography and one science topic in addition to their regular fun reading material.  I was very pleased to know that Woody enjoyed the biography he selected on Marco Polo.  He was very excitedly recommending the book to his brother.

The fair was an excellent learning experience.  The livestock tour taught them so much about animals. The bird show was incredible.  The butterflies were also amazing.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share
Sometimes, actually I think most times, the best learning isn’t done at a desk or table – which means we need to get out more often. :)

I am inspired by…
One Block Wonders.  I am no where near ready to sew something like these.  Heck, I still have a hard time with straight line sewing, but I think these are so beautiful.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We have a field trip to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday.  The boys have a Cub Scout Pack meeting on Thursday.  Our local homeschool group has the kick-off for the Young Author’s Club on Friday morning.  And, the Cub Scout Rocket Rally Camp Out begins this Friday afternoon.

My favorite thing this week was…
seeing my children completely fascinated with the butterfly exhibit.

What’s working/not working for us…
Getting out of our school room for the week.

Questions/ Thoughts I have…
I am so excited for the symphony field trip.  The DSO field trip is one of my favorites.

Things I’m working on…
I’d like to do some more sewing.  I’m also hoping I can do a bit of de-cluttering.  I also need to finalize this months Book Club activity and get supplies for next week’s meeting.

I’m reading…
library books about quilting.

I’m cooking…
I don’t know – I’m feeling pretty puny.  I might have to resort to the boys making their own pb&j’s for a while.

I’m grateful for…
my boys.
the Lord’s protection over Hubby yesterday and that there were no injuries for all involved.
rain.
our “rainy day” savings account that made an unwelcome, but necessary, expense easier to accommodate.

I’m praying for…
a smooth resolution with our car insurance,
a fun time camping with the boys especially since Hubby won’t be there until Saturday night & I am NOT a camper,
my family,
and my boys.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

I smiled when I saw this inside the Butterfly Garden at the fair on Tuesday.  It immediately made me think of the classic Sesame Street song.

“1, 2, 3.
4, 5, 6.
7, 8, 9.
10, 11, 12.
Ladybugs came
To the Ladybugs’ picnic.”



 

 

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

 Posted by TexasTanya at 7:53 pm

Homeschool Journal 10/2/11

 Homeschool  2 Responses »
Oct 032011
 

In my life this week…
Wow. It’s amazing what a week off can do!  We had a busy week, but it was a fun week!

We went down to visit my folks outside of Houston on Sunday and Monday.  We celebrated Hubby’s birthday with my brother, his sweet wife, and my niece – aka. Mustang Sally.  Hubby taught the CHL class for my mom & me, as well as the CHL renewal for my dad.  Mom showed me her most recent quilt top – and told me all about jellyrolls. (Jellyrolls are basically strips of coordinating fabric that are bundled, making it super easy for quilters to piece.)  It was a short trip, but a good trip.

I actually had time to read and finished a book!  Seems like it’s been forever since that last happened. Even better was that it was a good read.

I utilized some time to work on cleaning projects.  One of which, had me spending time in my closet.  I reorganized some things and pulled things to donate.  I ended up with a full black trash bag to take to the mission center.

The boys asked for haircuts. My children are lazy when it comes to hair care.  They don’t want to comb, brush, or even think about hair – they want it all buzzed off.  So I got out the clippers and gave them what they wanted – #1 on the back and sides, fade to #3 on the top.  They are beyond happy.

We spent a couple of days getting ready for the big camping trip.  Woody was barely able to contain himself as he prepared to go on the Webelo’s Camporall – a camp out for Webelos and Boy Scouts.  I had to make a last minute run to the store when Woody pulled out a pair of jeans to take with him.  They were so tight he couldn’t get them buttoned and the legs were so short, they looked like capri pants.  He went from last year’s size of 7 slim to this year’s size a 10 slim.  I think I know why I’m having to go grocery shopping so often…

Hubby and Woody left on Friday afternoon with a truck bed full of sleeping bags, a tent, and food.  They returned today tired, grimy and very pleased with themselves.  It turned out to be a great time for both of them.

Tigger’s fun while Woody was gone was to take care of our babysitter’s dog.  (This would be the same favorite babysitter I mentioned last week is moving in the next two months.)  She went out of town with her family so we got to take care of Dixie.  She is a sweet dog, and her attitude toward us has changed so much since the first time we watched her.  The first time we took care of her she would sit next to the front door and stare out waiting for her momma to come home.  This time she played, and played hard!  She has a big blue ball that she chases all over the house.  It was a riot watching her play.  Which is just makes it harder when we know they don’t have much time left before they move.

The fun part of the week for me was finding a couple of jellyrolls when I was out shopping on Thursday.  I made my first attempt at putting together a quilt top.  I started Thursday evening and finished with the jellyroll part Saturday morning.  I still need to find some fabric to  finish it with, as well as binding.  But, I was pretty pleased that it came together so quickly and it looks decent.

I started working on the second jelly roll.  I have it sewn into strips of four.  I think I want to try making a block quilt.  I’m just hanging on to the strips as they are until I can get to my mom’s to use her rotary cutter.  I know that will make the cuts will be neater, therefore, easier to sew and piece together.

In our homeschool this week…
We did nuthin’ – and it was glorious!

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share
Sometimes taking a break is the BEST thing you can do. :)

I am inspired by…
my Mom.  (Love you Mom!)

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We have a change of plans this week.  We were supposed to go to Mainstay Farms for their homeschool day on Monday, but we decided we’d save the money for that to use when we go to the State Fair of Texas on Tuesday.  Thursday we will be going to the Fort Worth Zoo for their homeschool day.  Saturday we’ll be selling popcorn at my favorite coffee shop.

My favorite thing this week was…
feeling like I accomplished something.  I finished a book. I organized my closet. I cut hair. I pieced a quilt top. – it wasn’t a week of just feeding people’s bellies and minds.  Don’t get me wrong, I love that job – but it was nice to have something different.

What’s working/not working for us…
Taking a break!

Questions/thoughts I have…
Looking forward to going to the State Fair.

Things I’m working on…
I’m certain I’ll find something as soon as I get back into the swing of things…

I’m reading…
The Household Guide to Dying: A Novel About Life.

I’m cooking…
Hubby’s favorite Fish Tacos on Monday, but other than that – I don’t have a plan.  Note to self: Get a plan!

I’m grateful for…
time to just hang out with the family, rather than feeling like we need to be doing something. 

I’m praying for…
friends,
family,
and my kids.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
This week I’m including several photos.




 

 

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

 Posted by TexasTanya at 10:46 am

Book Review: See You in a Hundred Years

 Books/Reading  1 Response »
Sep 282011
 

Title: See You in a Hundred Years
Author: Logan Ward
Publication Information: Delta; Reprint edition (December 30, 2008), 272 pps.
Genre: Non-fiction/Biography/Memoir

Explanation/Summary:
From the back of the book:

Logan Ward and his wife, Heather, were prototypical New Yorkers circa 2000: their lives steeped in ambition, work, and stress.  Feeling their souls grow numb, wanting their toddler son to see the stars at night, the Wards made a plan. They would return to their native South, find a farm, and for one year live exactly as people did in 1900 Virginia: without a car or electricity — and with only the food they could grow themselves. It was a project that would push their relationship to the brink — and illuminate stunning hardships and equally remarkable surprises.

From Logan’s emotionally charged battles with Belle, the family workhorse, to Heather’s daily trials with a wood-fired cooking stove and a constant siege of garden pests and cantankerous animals, the Wards were soon overwhelmed by their new life. At the same time as Logan and Heather struggled with their increasingly fragile relationship, as their son relished simple joys, the couple discovered something else:  within their self-imposed time warp, they had found a community, a sense of belonging, and an appreciation both for what we’ve lost — and what we’ve gained — across a century of change.

Analysis and Evaluation:

  • Did the author achieve his or her purpose?

Definitely.  Ward shared the highs and lows, struggles and joys of his family’s transition from the year 2000 to their life living as the people of 1900.

  • Is the writing effective, powerful, difficult, beautiful?

The writing is enjoyable.  I really liked reading about the family’s time-travel experiment.  Ward effectively communicates the events, as well as, the feelings/emotions that accompanied the situations.

  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?

The strengths:  As some of my previous book reviews have mentioned, I have a thing for folks who do “a year in the life” kind of books.  This one did not disappoint me.  I truly enjoyed reading about Logan, Heather, and Luther as they started out in their journey.  It added that much more pleasure to the book as I was able to see how each person grew throughout the challenges of the year.

For the weakness:  I would have liked more historical information about 1900.  However, this was not detrimental to the book.

The one thing that I truly wish book editors in-general would address, is the use of foul language.  Sadly, it’s sprinkled throughout the book.  If it didn’t have the f-bomb and it’s derivatives in it, I’d let my kids read it…

  • What is your overall response to the book? Did you find it interesting, moving, dull?

It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a book this much.  Ward is great at capturing the humor of the moment so there were many moments when I laughed out loud, much to the distraction of my family.  I loved seeing how the community encouraged their quest.  Also, I loved how their lives became exponentially more rich as they created bonds and relationships with neighbors.  I thought it was humorous that the family chose 1900 because toilet paper had been invented at that point in time.  As Ward summed up their year, I took much delight in finding out that the convenience they missed the most was running water.  I can imagine that I would feel the same way if I had to to pump, by hand, all of the water my family used in a day.

  • Would you recommend it to others?

Yes.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I was sad to put it down when I finished – that hasn’t happened in a very long time.

Grade: A-

signature
 Posted by TexasTanya at 9:52 pm
 Older Entries  Newer Entries
© 2012 As a parent, the days are long...but the years are short. Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha