MY BROTHER'S NEW KENTUCKY HOME

Our family loaded into our 15 passenger van and took off for Kentucky last week.  My niece, Keisha, turned Sweet-16 and we were invited to the Luau!

My Brother and Sister (in-law) recently bought a new home-on-the-hill and we couldn't wait to go see their new digs.


The scenery to behold on the drive to their home was nothing short of breathtaking.  I couldn't snap pictures quickly enough to do the views justice, but I was able to grab a few sites as we zipped by.

We arrived just in time to catch my nephew Ryker wide awake.  He was waiting up for his Aunt Shelly to arrive.  He just couldn't shut his little eyes before he said, Hello and I love you.  (tee hee)   Oh My Gosh!  What a cutie-butt! He just grabbed my face and kissy-kissy-pull-hair-kissy-kissied till the cows came home.  I couldn't get enough of my little 8 month old baby boy.






The next day, Keisha's party gals arrived for the weekend sleepover-luau.  Their new home was full of family and friends for days on end. 

All the kids had a ball running around the hill, swimming, shewing away cows and swinging on the porch swing.  I got a kick out of swatting bumble-bees with a tennis racket.

My awesome sister (in-law) (I don't like to say "in-law" cause she's my one and only sister soooo... that's why the parenthesis...I thought about just saying sister on the blog but then you all would have thought my brother married my sister and well...the Kentucky jokes would fly now wouldn't they) LOL


Anyway, My awesome sister (in-law) hung out with me and chatted and let me nap and sleep and relax so that our weekend vacation was actually a relaxing event.  Our boys didn't have time to be bored since there were acres to play on, a pool to swim in and a large house to navigate.  The dogs and cows kept them so busy that I barely saw any of them while we were there.  Thank you LeAnn for the relaxing weekend!

(I want one of those fake out-houses! Those are fake boots under the door! LOL) 

Zachary, my brother, your talented Tile Laying Magic is amazing!  I could NOT believe how awesome your floors looked! No wonder people pay you the big bucks to lay their tile.  You're an artist, my brother. :o)

Anyway, Keisha turned 16 and had an awesome party.  Shayla is taller than Keisha now and looking like a runway model.  I just can't believe how tall they all are these days!

My parents came over to grab a few fruit smoothies and we all got to take some time out to play with our family. 

There's just nothing like family to lower the blood pressure and fresh, Kentucky, country air to breathe a little life back into these weary, city bones of mine.

But all good things must come to an end.  I got to hug Keisha, Shayla, Brooklyn, Caleb and Ryker...I got to hang out with them, party with them and laugh with them...and sometimes AT them.

Our boys also got laughed at quite a bit. LOL

It was a good weekend but as pretty as the country view can be....It only took one look at Detroit, as we rolled up the highway, to put a smile on my face and prompt a photo shoot from our vehicle. 

Yes, it was good to see my old Kentucky home, with it's lightning bugs and rolling hills but the City does call to me.  

She lights up brighter and rolls a little longer in these eyes.

You know what?  I think it's perfectly, alright to love Bluegrass, MoTown and Rock City all at one time.  We only live once; Might as well appreciate it all.

HOMESCHOOL ICE CREAM SOCIAL/BBQ/FIELD DAY

Well It's June and that can only mean one thing....well...it can mean many things but for this post is can only mean one thing...and THAT'S the 5th Annual Homeschool Ice Cream Social!

This is the time of year when the kids from the Homeschooling World in our neck of the woods gather together to make a 40 Foot Ice Cream Sundae/Banana Split, Hop on the Bounce House and Play Games. 

The Ice Cream Sundae idea originated with my father.  He used to plan an event much like this for the kids in our church.  (I'm the curly headed kid with the striped shirt.)

I remember it to this day....and that's why I plan it for our boys and the Homeschool group I founded.  

 

This year, even the teens got in on the action, riding tricycles and running around the obstacle course.  

 
It is a lot of work to put together and I have to thank my WONDERFUL Husband.  He's my backbone through all of the orchestrated chaos.



A HUGE thank you goes out to all of the Homeschooling Parents in our group for bringing supplies and running the games.  This could not be done as efficiently and run as smoothly without all of their help.
 
This is the last year that Kazz will be a "child" for the event.  He turns 18 next month.  *sob*

It gives me a little tear to see the picture of him and his crew.  I was surprised to see that our Brise is the tallest of the bunch and that doesn't make me feel any better.  They've all grown so much.  

But, that's why we do these things, I suppose.  These memories last a life-time and hopefully our kids will do the same thing for our grand-children in the future.




We counted over 150 in attendance.  It was a beautiful, breezy day and couldn't have gone any better. 




My favorite part of the day was playing catch with my boys.  They all have quite an arm and gave me a run for my money in the catching department.  I think it may be time to start that ball team people are always accusing Brian and me of having. :o)  


There's just nothing quite like the feel of a stinging fast ball hitting my 25 year old ball glove, delivered by my boy.  Nope. Nothing like it at all.

Saturday was a good day....a really good day.

HI MOM!

I haven't been blogging as much as I used to.  It's really a shame, because many of our family memories are held within this blog. I've even had a hard-cover book made of "half" of this blog.  It serves as a family scrapbook and has been a joyful read.

The kids crack up at their pictures and our son, Vinze, has dubbed it his favorite book in the world.

My mother, who lives in Kentucky, has commented a few times that she misses the family blog.  This used to be the place she would surf to find out how we are doing and see how the kids have grown.  I've slacked off long enough I suppose.

I've decided to pick blogging back up, full force.  I hope to add memories and pictures and rants, on a regular basis.  I hope my mom and dad love getting to see what's going on with our family.  I hope Blogger keeps on being free so I can continue to print books to keep as family treasures. I hope my 15 minute a day, self imposed limit, to free myself of Facebook holds out!  Facebook keeps me from blogging!

I hope my mom is reading this because I've written this post to say, Look-out, Mom!  I'm back! :o)

A CLOUD OF SMOKE!

Brian and I have been blessed to parent healthy, inquisitive little rascals who really have a tenacity for education.  Some of their education...I would go so far as to say most...is self directed.  Their natural curiosity unfolds a question and their natural body proceeds to find the answer...in a hands on sort of way.  Last week was no exception.

I've blogged about the antics of our children in the past...many of which were headed by our brilliant, spunky little Daxx. It's been a while since we've had any really shocking incidents in our home.  The boys have grown, life has calmed down to a run instead of a sprint and I have allowed myself to relax.  Life is good...but it still throws us a curve-ball now and then.

I was cleaning the bathroom and twin's room last week in my "relaxed" state of grace when Kole arrived to tell me that they were finished coloring their pictures.  I said, "Wonderful, go on down to the playroom to play for a bit while mommy cleans."

The children put away their crayons, placed their pictures around for all to view and then...clomp,clomp, clomp they went down to play in the newly-built playroom equipped with everything from a climbing rope, to books, to a full-out set of monkey bars.

It was during the "going down of the stairs" that I closed the bathroom door...as the cleaning was finished...and went into the boy's room to sweep the floor.  About 10 minutes into the sweeping..."sweeping" involves a very large trash can and tipping a bed over in our house...Kole came into the room to tell me that there's a lot of dust.  I said, yes honey, I'm cleaning...that's why you need to go downstairs for a minute to play.

Kole went obediently down the steps again...and came right back up.

Kole: "Mom"

Shelly" "What?"...I was still cleaning and not looking at my son.

Kole: "There's a lot of dust."

I turned to look at Kole to see him COVERED with dust!

Shelly: "What is that?!"

Kole: "The Dust!"

I went over to dust him off and couldn't figure out what in the world it would be.  He and I went over to the kitchen door, I opened it and a full out CLOUD of...."what I percieved to be smoke at first".... dust hit me in the face!  I began to scream like the house was on fire!  No words...just screams...

I made it to the bottom of the stairs to see 4 wide-eyed little children looking at their mother. As I looked around, it finally sunk in that this "smoke" actually WAS dust!  Quikrete Dust!! 

Yes, our children had gone down to play in the newly renovated playroom and my hubby, God love his heart, had innocently left 2 bags of FULLY SEALED bags of Quikrete lying in the basement foyer...to take out later.  That was no biggie, but the children...you know...our inquisitive, healthy, self-educating children, had found a Large Mallet also.  I mean, what else could they hit with it?  The walls?  No, THAT would make a mess.  Each other?  No, that would be too loud.  The floor?  No, THAT would be no fun.  Hey!  I know! How about those bags over there!




 








Their Question: "How much dust does Quickrete make in an enclosed space if the bags are hit repeatedly by a large mallet and then handfuls of the "stuff" are thrown around?

Shelly: "I know the answer!! Pick Me! Pick Me!  I even have pictures!" 


Side Note: We have added two little children to our mix here in the "Brownie" Home.  We are restricted by law thus unable to post photos of our foster children...and we can't use their names online....but they were in on this tiny fiasco too. The culprits are 3 boys, all six years old...and one precious little 4 year old girl...what has been blamed as the one who "did it first."

This happened Saturday.  Today is Friday.  It's been nearly a week...and I'm still dusting....and so are our children. :o)

MY CHURCH PET PEEVE...

I have a pet peeve that I feel the need to mention. I know I'm not alone because I've actually met other Evangelicals who have experienced this.

First I would like to place a memory in here for my boys so that in the future, when they read this, they do not confuse the rant to follow as something they should actually put into practice. It is a rant and should be consumed with that knowledge.

First Here is my memory:

A memory I hold dear to my heart is one of a preacher who I really liked. (Pastor Howard Wilson) He came to my job to buy something to fix the church a bit and said something to the effect that he didn't see me in church last Sunday. Being that he was a nice guy and did talk to me other than just to ask this question I said with a smile, "Yeah, that's because I wasn't there." He smiled too and said something like, "Well I hope everything is alright." I don't know why, maybe because I'm me and like to tell the truth I said with a halfway embarrassed squinty nose , "I just didn't feel like coming." To which he laughed openly. It became apparent that no one had ever actually said that to him. I then said,"Do you ever feel like that?" He gave a sideways grin, paid for his merchandise and said, "That, my dear, is something I'll never admit to." "Oh that's right!" I said, laughing at that point "You get paid to be there!" He turned with a loud laugh and walked out cracking up.

Now this is the same pastor who roped me into being the central and only secretary for the entire disaster relief efforts for our town when the flood came through and devastated so many homes and uprooted so many families. I have to think that honesty is the best policy since he respected me enough to entrust that responsibility to me after that conversation had taken place. :-)

Now on to my Pet Peeve and Random Rant for the day...

One thing that annoys the crap out of me is when I and my family arrive at church and some random person comes up to us to say,

"Why weren't you at church the other day...last week...last night..."

Whatever the case may be.

OR

"We really missed you at church the other day...last week...last night..."

Then they look at you with the silent look of fake worry trying to prompt you into divulging the reason for your shameful church absence.

Did they really miss me? Did they really miss us that much? Aren't they really asking where we were? At least those who ask where we were are getting to the point. They are nosey and they don't care that we know they are nosey.

I've so often wanted to say something like...

"Well Janet I had to get some hemorrhoids removed and I just couldn't sit in the pew that day."
or
"Well Pete I had a hot date with my lover and just couldn't make it to church." *wink*

(Mom, I didn't actually say or do these things so don't faint!)

Now why would I really want to say these things? Because they are being so NOSEY! What if those were the reasons? What if there was some very embarrassing reason and you had to just stand there and make up a lie because they are so NOSEY!?

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about your buddy who you usually sit with or your friend who would have liked to go to the ballgame with you. I'm talking about church acquaintances who mention this ridiculous comment because what they really mean is...

"I was at church and because I was at church, I noticed that you were NOT so I want to mention it to you in person, even though I would otherwise never talk to you. I have to ask this of you because you didn't get to see that I was in church, so I want you to know that I was in church and that you were NOT because I am now just that much closer to Heaven than you are because I was there and you were NOT there to see how holy I am because you are NOT."

Yes, I have a tad bid of unimaginable irritation built up. It must be from my childhood. I would see people, who would otherwise not give me the time of day, come to meet me at the church door just to ask that ever so unassuming question. I cringed as they came down the isle with that concerned look on their face. I could have just kicked them in the shin.

I wish I were the person I am now...that would have been a hoot!

Yep, that is a big time pet peeve of mine, to the point that I've named the affliction that these people suffer from.

It's called,

"I've become arrogant in my Christianity-itis" It affects those Christians who have become so sure that they know all there is to know about their religion that they have widened their judgement net to encompass those who are actually OF their same religious faith."

Gotta be the top of the heap there I suppose.

If you recognise yourself in this rant please put this clue in your pocket.
If you have never been invited to the person's home. Don't ask them why they weren't at church.
If you were only invited with a group of people. Don't ask them why they weren't at church.
If you think people need a reason to miss church. Don't ask people why they weren't at church because..

1. You may not like the answer.
2. If they had an emergency or tragic event and you don't know by now then it's none of your business.
3. You're being a busy body.

Instead you could say, "Hi there friend. I was thinking of you the other day and would really like to go to Starbucks to hang out sometime with you. " or "Hi there buddy, I was JUST thinking about you yesterday and was wondering if you would like to come over to hang out sometime."

If you don't feel like you can do that then BACK OFF! If you can do that and they say no then there's your answer. If they say yes, you are well on your way to connecting with a new friend.

(That's my rant)

No Bake Cookies (Chocolate)

It has come to my attention that there are people on this earth who have never heard of No Bake Cookies.

I shudder to think of all the little children out there who have been denied this right! :o)

If you have never had them you've GOT to go out, buy the ingredients and make them. You are missing out. They are a memory in the making!
 
CHOCOLATE NO BAKE COOKIES

Put in saucepan:
1 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons Cocoa
1/4 cup milk
2 Tablespoons margarine

Bring to boil over high heat. STIR FREQUENTLY!
BOIL 1 MINUTE ONLY!
Remove from heat.
Quickly add:(these ingredients should be already measured and awaiting transfer...)
1 1/2 cup Quick Oats Oatmeal
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
1/4 cup Peanut Butter
Mix together with wooden spoon.
Drop by teaspoon on wax paper
Let cool.
 
They should get hard yet not dry tasting...
if they don't get hard you need to boil a TAD BIT longer the NEXT TIME you make them.

They will still taste good...just gooey

IF they get hard and dry then don't boil them as long the next time you make them.
 
Makes Approx 10 cookies

RANT!! VIDEO GAME MOMS! HIDE NO MORE!

I must first say that this is my blog, a diary of sorts, and I post my feelings plainly. THIS IS A LOOOOONNNNGGG RANT!

Please be warned because I am really annoyed at this present time.

---------------
This is for all the moms out there who embrace video games for their children; For all of those women hiding in the shadows afraid to speak up; For Women Who Have to explain and defend their parenting to those who devalue our choice to embrace the games for your children.

BE NOT AFRAID!! THERE ARE OTHER WONDERFUL PARENTS JUST LIKE YOU! :-)
---------------

Most parents want what is best for their children. Most parents really do.
But more and more I'm finding that some parents, usually "newish" parents, want to jump on some sort of crazy bandwagon to tout their notions about parenting so that "the rest of the parents" will oooo and aahhh over their wizened choices.

How annoying!

Most of the time, I've noticed, those parents are the ones who are imposing some sort of limitation on their children, for no good reason other than, Because They Can or Fear or Because they've heard it is the right thing to do.

That, to me, is ignorance in action.

I was reading some posts recently, on a nationwide group site, that really irritated the snot out of me. A mother of 2 sons, ages 8 and 4, stated proudly that video games are off limits in their home and that she only allows 30 minutes of computer time in their home per day. She whipped out the name of some book as her valuable tool of knowledge. There were all sorts of positive replies from other mothers of young children stating they too will have none of that "non-sense" in their homes.

I suppose since I've actually had experience raising children past the age of 8 years old I have some sort of "Hindsight is 20/20" perspective but that doesn't make the imbecilic posts any less abrasive.

As my heart began to beat faster I relied on my breathing to lower my blood pressure. I have to ask myself, "Shelly, why are you so very upset about this?"

I mean I am mad! I don't get bothered about other parenting styles too often so why is this an issue of such importance to me? Let me tell you, I could have just jumped through the screen to slap some sense into these women.

I think it was the tone. I could just see their snotty little blond tipped heads as they implied that "those" parents who let their children play video games day in and day out are ignorant, uninformed and allowing their children to become fat, addicted, dead heads.

I'm nearly positive that were one of my children to go over to their home and begin talking about his latest game they would look over at their spouse with an all knowing glance as if to say,
"That child is one of "those" kids. I can't wait to tell Marsha at the next PTO meeting."

Well I'm sick and tired of listening to this crap! These are MY children they are referring to in their posts!

I'm Creating My Own Bandwagon....one with some experience behind it.

(Disclaimer To my good friends who limit video games. I am speaking to those judgmental little snots of parents who have that better than thou, condescending tone. I am going to rant at them. Please know I am very judgmental in this rant because I feel the need to respond or I'm going to explode. The post I tried to send on that site was denied. All they were allowing through were the "against gaming" comments soooo...Please take this as the rant it is intended to be. However, if you also believe I am a bad parents for allowing video gaming to ad nauseum at our home, I'm sorry to say that this is also directed toward your views also. Hey! Turn about is fair play! :o)

Now look, I understand that, in today's world, when they say their children are computer free and video game free it somehow makes that mother feel like she has jumped onto the "I'm raising my kids the right way" band wagon. They've probably bought into the myth that video games make kids fat or that they have too many blinking lights that cause ADD or whatever the case may be. Too bad they won't read the facts! Or look at the picture of the TOP video gamers in the world. Guess what, they're THIN! (that's Walshy and his crew)

Maybe they want accolades from others or whatever, but this sort of self indulgent thinking can really inhibit their children from achieving their full potential in our modern world.

"Modern World" I know that is a buzz word. Some parents want to shelter their children from the Modern World. They want to keep them held back to the time of horse and buggy when civilization was simpler or they at least want to hold their children back to the days of Pacman so they, as parents, can actually understand the games. However, unless they are planning to raise them in a commune or as an Amish person they are sorely kidding themselves.

Let's give up the fantasy, shall we? Our child will grow up very soon and probably need to work in this modern world. I don't care how many gardens we plant or how well we teach them to recycle and can foods, they'll still need to live in the modern world so give up the "no technology" fantasy. Wake up! We aren't raising children we are raising adults!

Now, if these "No Gaming Technology" type mothers haven't been duped into thinking that games make kids fat or ill, then they must just get a sick thrill out of enforcing rules that limit their children. Maybe they just want to "show them who's boss." They must just get a kick out of announcing that power to others and generating moot discussions about the right way to raise children. Yes "moot" because they are usually speaking with like minded parents who will give them all sorts of validation.

I, however, (in my most self affirming, prideful voice) do not like to limit, inhibit, or deny my children their full potential in any way. I don't like to jump on bandwagons. Knee jerk reactions can cause harm. Give me facts...Thank You Very Much!

I try to limit my children only when they are indeed in danger. Like say, ohh...geeze...what do I limit? Ummm... well...

Okay..I just asked Kazz because I couldn't think of any limitations I impose on my children.

He came up with three.

1. I wouldn't allow Kazz, at ages 14-16, to be alone with girls. Reason: Self Explanatory

2. I won't let our boys ride around the neighborhood will- nilly. They have to tell me right where they are going and then come right back. Reason: Predators, Rule #1, and we live in Detroit for crying out loud!

3. I don't allow disrespect to me, to other adults or toward anyone. No eye rolling, backtalk or sighing in disgust. Reason: People who are a respectful command respect in return. This translates into happier marriages and better boss/employee relationships. Win/Win situations.

When I'm not limiting my children's world I am challenging conventional wisdom. I have a hard time following dogmatic parenting or rigid parenting styles. One thing in particular that really gives me that prickly sensation on the back of my neck is hearing popular parenting myths propagated as fact and witnessing the, "you are absolutely right" affirming responses when they don't know what the heck they are talking about!

So when I read all the posts from parents who deny their children technology, not only did that familiar prickly sensation arise but I was overcome with an understanding that these well meaning (hopefully) parents were limiting their children's potential...Period.

"Why in the world would a parent WANT to limit learning experiences for their children?!" I ask.

"Learning?" you say with an eye rolling laugh. "Well, they will just have to learn outside! You're limiting them by allowing them to play games all day!" you say.

Guess what... You're not only assuming that video games are bad or hurtful you have gone the extra mile to Deny, Preach, Restrict and Curb a wonderful blessing your children could be using as part of their growth and development.

"We have enough books to off-set that situation!" You say
Guess what...Books are NOT the best way to learn anymore. Are they fun? Yes, for some people. But are they better? No! Textbooks are borrrinnnng! I dare say that they are one of the main reasons why Public Education is failing. The "time tested" textbook system has failed and in this era, they are nice to have, but not what it takes to succeed in the technological world.

"Oh you are wrong! It's because of those stupid games that books are dying out!" You say?

Yes, technology is pushing out the textbook. Laptops and Kindle are taking over. That only strengthens my argument! What's the first thing college students do these days when taking a new course? They go to the first class to see if they need to buy the book! And what's more,
the first thing most people do when they want to find the answer to a burning question is look it up....on the INTERNET!

Technology is here to stay, just like Rock and Roll. Get used to it or become one of those frumpy old farts from the "Ban Rock and Roll" era. That, my friend, is how your children will remember you if you don't stop this nonsense now.



If you truly want your children to grow into well rounded adults who are FULLY capable in the world they must live in, then teach them to garden, read, recycle, build a clubhouse AND type, use computer programs, look up things on the Internet and PLAY with technology. Let them PLAY!!

Video Gaming is a valuable tool for learning. Limiting video games and computer time ranks right up there with the book burnings of years ago! These limiters, these parents, are book burning!

If you want to give them knowledge, buy them a computer! Buy them Video Games systems!

Limit, Restrict, Reduce, Censor, Deny...These are words that those mothers are PROUD to say!

Good Grief!

I've had some experience with Video games and television and music and cell phones.
We have PlayStation 1 and PlayStation2. We have the X-box and the X-box 360. Every one of our children have their own computer. We also have 4 cell phones, and 4 televisions.
Excess? Is it excess when schools buy new books, computers, games? Is it excess when a homeschooling parent buys new curriculum every year or $50 worth of books every month from Amazon or eBay? We're homeschoolers! These are learning tools!

Instead of buying curriculum to death, we buy technology that actually works and gives us ALL of those books and more!

If children are not learning to type, use computer programs and understand technology, THEY ARE BEHIND and will have a TOUGH time finding a job when they are adults!! Used vehicles, an affordable home and budgeting have allowed us to offer these tools to our children. We are very blessed to have them.

Count how many years it will be before your children turn 16 years old. That is how long you have to teach them to use technology before they get a job at McDonalds and have to use the screen to take orders. If they get a better job, the will need better skills.

Technology is not to be limited to help children...It is to be USED to help them! Video games and computers are wonderful learning instruments that enhance our children's lives and BETTER prepare them for the future they HAVE to live!

Yes, it is true. My husband and I have allowed our children to experience technology, unhindered by time restrictions. THIS is our blessing to them.

Yes my friend! I am NOT AFRAID TO LET THEM PLAY!

I see my children sitting for days on end trying to master a portion of a game. I see them, with their red eyes, studying the game, planning strategies, sitting, scrutinizing, sometimes day after day until the task has been accomplished.

Brian and I encourage it!

"Why your children must be stupid, slackers who are fat and ignorant." You say.

Why my children are physically active, well rounded, intelligent, social, laughing, joke telling, fun loving little rascals. I have football playing, foil fencing, Science loving, friend hanging out with, tree climbing, 8 hour a day video playing boys in our home. When Kazz was 14 year old he probably played video games and computer games more than that!

"They're damaged and you don't even know it!" you say.

Kazz, the hours on end video gamer, just turned 17 this month. He will graduate from college with an Associate of Business degree this year. He has a 3.4 gpa, has been on the Dean's list and still "plays" video games and is on his laptop hours and hours a day.

Our 12 year old learned to read playing video games. He learned to type so he could play online. He's also well on his way to going to college at the age of fourteen.

Our 9 year old largely learned to read and type playing video games also. He can tell the best stories and communicate beyond belief.

They also happen to be the best front flipping, back flipping, trampoline crazy antics initiators on the planet.

"Why they will become recluses!" You say.

There have been upwards of 10 children, teens, and adults alike in our backyard playing video games on our back porch. If anything video games promote sharing, friendships and bonding.

Video game playing has introduced our children to computer technology. Technology that is here to stay. Video Games have introduced and given our children practice in following directions. They have learned how to scrutinize and practice problem solving and logic. Games have also given our children practice in the use of their fine motor and spatial skills. They have, very often been quite a fun tool for Brian and I to bond and play with our children also.

Technology Limiting parent really need to rethink their attitude about Video Games. Their ignorance could truly hinder the development of their children's future.

I, however, will not jump on that video game denying band wagon.
I will not be a part of information denial.
I will not impose restrictions on my children's interests.
I will allow them to grow, learn, experience and have a great deal of fun while achieving those goals.
I will allow them to learn!

LEARN I SAY!

Oh and I forgot one important thing about games, they are also entertaining and fun!

"BUT they need to develop their imagination! The only way to do that is through playing outside and working and chores. The old fashioned, no electricity kind of way."

As I count the many stories my children have written about games, characters and strategy, it is hard for me to even give that line of thought a moment of my time. I've witnessed backyard plays that were excellently organized to the fullest extent because of ideas fostered from video games.

Old fashioned? Yes, outdoor fun is wonderful. Climbing trees, planting gardens and reading books have a wonderful place in our lives. Here's the rub, I can't remember the last time some parent announced proudly that they are limiting the time their children are allowed to learn, experience, imagine, investigate, interpret and consider....

Oh Wait! THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE SAYING WHEN THEY LIMIT TECHNOLOGY!

Can we just get over the limiting of technology time to our children and include it instead? Let's just "jump ahead"...to the present day please....if for no other reason than I Just Can't Stand To Hear the ridiculous, unproven, CONDESCENDING, ignorance anymore.

I AM NOT AFRAID!

I AM A GOOD PARENT!!

I AM A GREAT PARENT!!!

MY CHILDREN ARE INTELLIGENT, NORMAL, INQUISITIVE, VIDEO GAME LOVING KIDS!

I WILL NOT BOW TO THE CONFORMING "WISDOM" THAT SATURATES THE HERE AND NOW.

I'LL WRAP MY ARMS AROUND THE FUTURE, GIVE IT A BIG HUG AND SAY...

PLAY ON BOYS! PLAY ON!

(Stumbling off my rant box...shewww I feel better)

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OUR INVITATION TO HEAR BARACK OBAMA SPEAK

Barack Obama gave a speech at my college today and I was invited to attend. If you want to know what he spoke about and what I think scroll down to the end of this post. If you want to know what it's like going to a Presidential Speech...listen up.

My husband, my son and I all attend the same college. We've even taken a few classes together so we're known by some of the staff there. We have fun with it and I enjoy the fact that we're giving our boys strong examples that learning is a lifelong adventure.
But I digress...

We got a call from the White House Volunteer Ticket People this past Sunday...No that's not their official title but I forgot what they said on the phone just after the "White House" part. My mind must have shut off after that part because this is what I remember.

"Hello Mrs M, this is The White House..blah blah...tickets...blah blah...Obama Speech...would you like to attend?"

I don't think it's a secret that I didn't vote for President Obama, however, I've never seen a sitting President in person so my answer was yes to the ticket question. I was given instruction about where to get the tickets. I went the next day to grab them.

I held 6 tickets in my hand. Brian couldn't get off work to go so I called my dad in Kentucky. He came up the next day so he could go with Kazz and me. The other 3 tickets went to a friend of mine who works with teen foster children. She took 2 teens who have lived through the foster care system.

The person who gave me the ticket told us to arrive by 12:30 because that is when the "doors" would open. We thought we were being given special treatment because the ticket said that the doors would open at 1:30.

That night, however, we were all watching the news and found out that the President's plane would not even be in our state until 2:30!! What was worse was that he wasn't going to speak until 3:30!!

When we took into account that we weren't allowed to bring anything into the speech other than a camera and our car key, all of our minds started to question whether this was going to be fun or not.

THEN we found out that the speech would be given outdoors. Well, that's about the time my dad decided this was not the place for him. He went to visit his mother, my grandma, while Kazz and I mapped out our plan of attack for the day.

Kazz and I hit the road at 11:00 a.m. We went to Wendy's and ran through the drive thru. We still had an extra ticket to see Obama Speak. While we were waiting at the Wendy's Drive Thru the young man at the window made a little small talk with us and smiled a lot. He seemed like the nicest guy...so I gave him the ticket. He was flabbergasted and took it with much thanks and wow's. He was going to have to feign illness to get off work but that's what has to be done to see the President now and then.

Kazz and I arrived at the College Campus at 11:30. By the time we walked the half mile to the entrance we could see that about 200 people were already waiting in line to get in. We made small talk and chatted. We waited in line, got interviewed by the Detroit Newspaper and made small talk with others about under wire bras, metal detectors and pocket change.

The sun was so bright. I should have brought sunglasses.

At 12:30 we were ushered up to the metal detectors. I put my cell phone, camera and car key on the table, walked through the metal detector and was told I was all clear.

NOW MAY I REMIND YOU PLEASE that I was NOT "All Clear." That metal detector should have gone off. Why? Hellooo... Click Here That metal detector didn't make a peep! So much for security. If anyone knows the president, please let him know HIS metal detectors don't catch 10" plates of metal...but the airport's DO!

After that interesting development, Kazz and I walked around the building to see that there were rows of black chairs placed on the street in front of the stage area. There were 2 bleachers alongside the area also. We were ushered into seats on the ground in front of the stage. Fifth row back, isle seat.

Then we waited. We were told that there was water available so Kazz went to get some.

There were about 8 water coolers full of water that was warm and tasted like a brand new water hose smells. That delicious taste had to sustain us for 3 hours in the hot sun with no shade. We were sitting there in mid-day heat, seats tied together at the bottom and no other means of food or drink.

Needless to say, people were getting a little uncomfortable. Sweat was glistening in the sunlight. It was a beautiful sight. People chatted and texted at will. We looked for secret service agents and found them.

We faked sightings of famous people...until I actually saw some.


The Mayor of Detroit, Dave Bing arrived in the crowd.

There were other politicians there but I only recognized faces. Their names escaped me.

Three hours we waited. My face is sun burned to say the least. THEN...a helicopter flew overhead. People stood and ooohh-ed and aaaahhhh-ed like they had never seen one before.

The voice on the intercom came on to ask everybody to sit down. They sat.

A secret service man came to the front..."Ladies and Gentlemen in the front row. If the President decides to walk along this outer edge you may place your hand out in front of you to shake his hand. PEOPLE BEHIND THE FRONT ROW STAY IN YOUR SEATS! IF the President WANTS to shake your hand, he will. If he does not want to shake your hand he won't. If he shakes your hand, shake it and let it go. DO NOT hold on to the President or try to hug him. If you hold on to him, WE WILL HOLD ON TO YOU!"

We got the idea.

We saw our Governor, Senator and other politicians walk by and sit. A man came up to say the Pledge of Allegiance, a young woman sang the Star Spangled Banner, a MCC graduate told his story and then the President was announced. Here is the video of his arrival to the stage...

We snapped a few photos. He talked about 15 minutes and it was all over. We had waited in line 1 hour and waited in seats, in the heat, with "hose" water for 3 hours to witness a 30 minute program of which the president "may" have talked fifteen.



Ooookay then...

It was an experience. I don't think I would want to wait in the sun that long for this type of event again, but now I can say I and my son have witnessed a Presidential speech. Good day, all said.


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Now for the run-down of the speech.

I'm going to school to earn a Counseling Psychology degree. Kazz will graduate this year with a business degree. The college we picked to get our degree pioneered a program where they work with 4 year Universities so that students can actually earn a Bachelors, Master and even a Doctorate by attending their Community College!

Many community colleges throughout the country now use this type of partnership but Our college started it.

I believe that is why President Obama picked Macomb Community College to deliver his speech today. This is where he introduced The American Education Initiative. Billions of dollars are going to be spent on American Community Colleges so that more men and women will be able to earn an associate degree. This plan will make America Number One in the world for college graduates! We will be able to compete with other countries and rise to the top of educational standards in the world again.

The plan sounds great since the money that would have been given to banks will now be given to the people so it will pay for itself and create jobs in the process. Basically the Community Colleges will get more money so they can serve more people.

Yes, that's it. What did you expect for a 15 minute speech? See how we felt?

4TH OF JULY AND FAMILY

Last weekend my brother and his family came up from Kentucky to visit us northern folk for the 4th of July weekend celebration. I was so excited to see all of them!

We took them downtown to see Detroit and had some fun at the Detroit Science Center.

The next day, they all went to the Detroit Zoo to check out the animals.

Kazz was very sick so I stayed home with him while everyone played at the zoo.

The weekend zipped by way too quickly. I have always thrown out hints for them to move up here so we can live closer to one another but I think my chances are slim to none.



I sure do miss my nieces and nephews. I will soon have a new nephew. Ryker will be born this October. I can't wait to meet him!


Keisha turned 15 on Tuesday so we has a quick and dirty Birthday party.

Those are the only kind our family knows how to throw.

Every birthday that rolls around throughout the year goes the same way. We grab some balloons from the dollar store, an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen and Pizza from Little Caesars.

The birthday gal/guy sits in "dads" chair at the head of the table.

We sing happy birthday, they open a gift and we eat! Voila! Party complete.

We rarely invite friends or family to attend. We just have the party and whoever happens to be in the house when it happens gets to eat and participate.




It's never failed to amaze me just how many neighbor kids and family members happen to be hanging around our home on the very day someones birthday happens to fall. LOL

Yes we were able to fit a 4th of July BBQ into the weekend festivities. I pulled out the huge box of crafts that we have laying around the house at any given moment. The kids began making the various crafts while our neighbors let off huge fireworks that could be seen all over town.

Somewhere between all of this deliciously fun chaos, a funky thing happened. A bunch of us were sitting around the patio table when a bird landed on Brisan's leg. He sort of flipped it off of his leg and it flew way across the yard and landed on Brooklyn's shirt while she was playing on the swing.

At first she didn't know what had happened. I think she thought someone had hit her with something. She stayed still long enough for me to get a few pictures of the crazy mishap.



Do you see it? It's little talon is tangled in her shirt and/or hair.

Can you see it in the picture below? Just after that picture was taken, it straightened up and flew over to sit on the fence.

What a crazy thing!

We had just the BEST time with family over the holiday. I sure do wish they lived up here so we could do this more often. (not so subtle hint) :o)