The first "I want to run away" day....

because quite frankly I knew it would arrive.

When you first throw yourself into homeschooling, you're pretty much like a baby learning to walk, some days you're courageous and adventurous and you just get right up there and do it and then there's those days that you stumble about looking for that reassuring hand or that table to prop yourself up on.

One thing you don't really realize or rather, you pretty much live in denial about, is the fact that there will be bad days, impossible days, days where you literally think to yourself "What the heck was I thinking doing this?  Where did I ever get the idea that I could be a teacher?"

Yeah, we had one of those today, our first one and it knocked me on my tush.

Nicholas flat out refused to do any kind of work, I mean the excuses were flying out of his mouth faster than flying monkeys.

I didn't get a break
I don't feel like it
I don't like writing
But I'm too hungry right now
But I'm tired
Can't I just leave it until later?

One after the other he showered me with these.  Now usually when he starts like this, I am able to get him right back on track, either we leave the lesson that he doesn't want to do, for later in the day, or I give him a break OR I tell him that he can always do it when daddy wakes up.  It usually works....today.....not so much.

I really wanted to run away, it was so frustrating, so I did what I could...I vented and then I went right back to solving the problem without yelling or fighting.

We sat down and quietly had a talk, I explained to him the pros of being homeschooled like being safe, being with mommy, learning at his own pace, being able to take breaks when he needs it, LAUGH and TALK during lessons, even have a snack while working.  I also explained what I am willing to do to make this happen but I can only do this if he helps me and does his part.

Wouldn't you know it, it worked, he sat down and within 2 hours we were completely done with all his work.

Do I think I will never see another one of these days?  No, that would be just setting myself up for disappointment, but I do realize that these are going to be few and far between and when they DO happen it's not the end of the world.  I don't need to run out the door or swig back a glass of whiskey.  Thank goodness for that.

Here's what I WILL do.....head into my kitchen and have a cookie, a homemade warm out of the oven chocolate chip cookie and here, you can have one too just for having to listen to me and my issues HA!

But after you have the cookie, I wouldn't mind some advice on getting through days like these, I'm kinda proud of myself for not panicking and throwing in the towel........thankfully I was able to remind myself that I'm doing a good thing and this is what is best.

Happy Homemaker Monday - #4 - 2011

What a crazy busy week we had last week all culminating in a trip to the ER for a sick little boy with Pneumonia.  

I'm hoping for an uneventful, quiet week!

On with today's Happy Homemaker Monday, and please do remember to link directly to your HHM post and not to your main blog, it makes it hard to find the post that way :)

The weather in my neck of the woods:
We seem to be over the cold weather and actually hitting the 70's some days.  Feels just perfect outside.


Things that make me happy:
May sound very simple, but, watching one of my children's fevers break when they've been so sick.  There is nothing like that moment when you're a mama :)


Book I'm reading:
The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh
Born under a Lucky Moon by Dana Precious


What's on my TV today:
Pretty Little Liars on TV tonight
Lark Rise to Candleford Season 4 Episode 3


On the menu for dinner:
Crazy Pizza Bread - recipe will follow on Full Bellies, Happy Kids.  BTW, did you know that Full Bellies is now on facebook too?  You can follow the food blog if you wish :)

On my To Do List:
Sweep and Mop
Post office to mail off a book
Take Nicholas to the pediatrician for his follow up after the ER visit


New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Sicilian Meatloaf - meatloaf rolled jelly roll style and filled with ham and cheese

In the craft basket:

African Flower Crochet Blanket
Crochet Votive Candle jars


Looking forward to this week:
My baby boy feeling better.  I hate to see him uncomfortable and having Pneumonia and HIVES as a side effect from the infection is just brutal.  Hoping for a good week.


Tips and Tricks:
I can't think of a single thing today, sorry about that  LOL



My favorite blog post this week:
No blog reading last week, honestly did not have the time


Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Bluebirdbaby - Just recently found this blog and loved it, haven't had a chance to really sit down and go through it but I can't wait to do so.


No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
That you can get hives as a side effect to a viral and bacterial infection, even something like pneumonia.  I am sure a lot of you knew about this already but I feel like I've been living in the boondocks.  I had NO idea. 


On my mind:
My sick little one.  Going to talk to the doctor today and see about getting him tested for allergies.  Arizona has been absolutely dreadful to him when it comes to allergies and colds etc.  Just so tired of this place and pray every day for orders out of here.  Please keep my little boy in your prayers, he is miserable with his pneumonia and hives.  :(


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

Week in review

It's been a pretty crazy week for us as I'm sure you can tell by my absence from the blog, sure I did the usual Happy Homemaker Monday posts and the Cooking Thursday, but not much else.

The reason is simple, we've been busy with Homeschooling, Dibels testing and I've also had my little one sick with a bad cold which has now turned into Pneumonia.  Goodness!

We spent last night in the ER and got home around 4am.  Exhausted can't even begin to describe, Nicholas actually fell asleep on my lap while waiting for the doctor to return with the result of the chest x-rays and the medication.  Poor guy!

He started getting a cold last week Wednesday, had a fever for about two days and then seemed to be fine.  Two days ago he started coughing, this really nasty wet cough you could tell that he had a lot of phlegm going on but other than that, perfectly fine.

Last night he went to go take his shower and called me to tell me that he was itchy, when I looked, he had this big red raised splotches all over his back, sides and groin area.  While at first I thought that maybe he brushed up against something or ate something, I honestly could not come up with anything.  Within an hour, he was complaining that he couldn't sleep, he was extremely itchy and the red blotches had moved down to his legs and under his arms and neck etc, that's when we decided to take him into the ER.

After 4 hours, doctor said he had pneumonia but brief and also hives which can possibly be caused by a viral or bacterial infection.  They filled him up with benadryl and all these other meds including steroids for the cough and by the time we got home from the ER the red blotches had completely disappeared. They're back again but we'll just keep the Benadryl going until they're gone for good.

He is doing much better today, only coughed once or twice, no hives anymore.  We're going to start his antibiotics and the rest of his treatment though, better safe than sorry.

So there you go, that's what's been going on life wise.....here's what's happening in Homeschooling::::

Nicholas:::  Social Studies learning all about being fair, the emancipation procramation, Thurgood Marshall and Susan B. Anthony.

Science:::   Day and Night, what makes it happen.

Art:::  Primary and Secondary colors

Jasmine:::  Art:  Pottery and Clay

Boy did they have fun with this one, they each got to make their own clay and used food coloring until they achieved the color they wanted.

Here is her finished product

We've started Unit 2 and they're enjoying all the new lessons. This has been such an amazing journey for us and we're seriously considering never going back to public school :)

Thirty-One Gifts Tote Giveaway

Oh do I have a good giveaway for you ladies today.

Just think beautiful thermal tote and faith based company all in one?  Thirty-One is a faith based company with their name derived from Proverbs 31 and the virtuous woman.

A.MA.ZING!

I was contacted by Caitlin and asked if I would be interested in helping her garner some followers for her page on facebook AND giveaway a beautiful thermal tote to one of my readers.  The immediate reaction was "Oh my goodness, you chose my little blog for this?"  It's such an honor.  I then looked through the Thirty-One website and literally drooled at the products, I may just place an order for myself.

Here is a little bit more about the company:

Have you heard of Thirty-One?  Thirty-One is one of America’s fastest-growing Direct Selling companies. We are successful because our products are designed to complement your life, and are a perfect marriage of style and function. From uniquely styled handbags and purses to handy storage totes, baskets, stationery and more, there is truly something for everyone. With our extensive selection of embroidery colors and stylized lettering, clients can add their own personal flair to their Thirty-One purchases.  I invite you to turn the pages of our catalogues and create your own style statement! Thirty-One believes in Celebrating, Encouraging, and Rewarding Women.

You can learn more by visiting the website at www.mythirtyone.com/nickel or visit the facebook page at Caitlin Nickel ~ Thirty One Gifts

I tell you, I was just gobsmacked at the variety of beautiful products available and I did spend a little bit too much time on the Hostess Category.  Oh my word.....Oh MY word!  Go ahead, check out the online catalog and let me know what you think.

 The tote bag being given away does NOT have the embroidery on it

Now for the giveaway part.  The contest is open to US residents only.  It will run from today until next week Friday the 28th at 12am EST.  I will then use Random.org to draw a winner.  Please be advised that you will have exactly 2 days to contact me with your information so that I may pass it on to Caitlin, she will be mailing the prize directly to you.

The rules?

-- Head over to Caitlin's Thirty One Facebook page and follow her. Leave me a comment with your email address so that I can contact you.

-- Leave me a comment on this post and let me know that you are following Caitlin.

Simple!  Nothing out of this world, just please remember to include a way to contact you.

Good Luck everyone!!!!

Cooking Thursday - #3 January 20

Quick Cinnamon Rolls

1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed, just let it sit out for about an hour or so)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened (for the filling)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 T ground cinnamon
3 ounce cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened (for the icing)
1 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla or maple extract


Once the dough is thawed, roll it out on a floured surface until you get a pretty big rectangle. I don't measure, I just eyeball it but I would say about 9x13 inc which is about the size of the baking pans.

For the filling, combine the softened butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix well and then spread over the dough but not to the edges, leave about a half an inch edge, it will make it easier to seal once we roll it up.

Start rolling the dough up carefully, press the seams a little to seal.

I usually use a bit of thread or fishing line to slice it up, it makes it easier and gives a much better clean cut, but if you want to use a knife, use a serrated one.

Slice into 1 inch slices and place into round baking pans. You can also put them in a 9x13 inch. pan, but I prefer the round foil ones. They're pretty cheap and make clean up easier too.

Let rest for about 30 minutes.

Pop into a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes until done and nice and brown.

In the meantime, mix 3 ounces of softened cream cheese, the confectioner's sugar and the vanilla or maple extract, with an electric beater. Spread over the cinnamon rolls.

Note: I like making huge batches of these and freezing them. I either bake them all and then freeze, or a bake only what I need and wrap the rest in press n seal wrap and pop in the freezer until ready to bake.