Melissa's Idea Garden

"With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." Eph. 4:2

We tend to say the most hateful things to the ones we are closest to. Perhaps because we expect them to put up with it. Perhaps it's because we see them more than anyone else and we simply can't hide our 'bad' side forever. And we are human. We are going to lash out when we are having a bad day, and unfortunately those closest to us bear the brunt of this.

However, it is our job to minimize this behavior and to apologize when we fail. Sometimes, I find myself thinking about all of my husband's faults. And I find myself thinking about how lucky he is to have someone like me who is easy to get along with and loving and cleans up after herself and...

Whoops, wait a minute! That is such a load of bull. Because just like my hubby, I have a long list of faults. I can be snippy. I can be naggy. I tend to put our kids first in everything I do. I don't take as good of care of myself as I should. I am not as supportive of his ideas as I should and could be.... Now I am reminded of words from Matthew

Matthew Chapter 7:1-5

1 “Stop judging, that you may not be judged.

2 For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.

3 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?

4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye?

5 You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.

Hmmm...maybe I should spend more time fixing my own problems and less time criticizing my husband over his. How about you?

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:04 PM | Permalink

I will be hosting next week's Carnival of Homeschooling! Be sure to submit your posts to be included before Monday, May 5th at 6 p.m.

If you are not sure what the Carnival of Homeschooling is, you can peruse these past carnivals.

If you want to submit, but aren't sure how, then visit this link.

And be sure to come back on Tuesday. I have already received several great posts and I am sure there will be more to come!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 4:59 PM | Permalink

This week, I borrowed the movie The Devil's Arithmetic from Netflix. This movie is an excellent way for you to help your children get their first exposure of the horrors of World War II.

This movie is based on a book written in 1988 by Jane Yolen. I have not read the book, but after reading the synopsis, the storyline is a bit different and of course more complete than the movie.

However, I think you will be pleased with either the movie or the book and you can choose based on what best suits the needs of your household.

The story sends a modern day Jewish girl back to live during World War II via a time travel type experience. Before she goes, she really doesn't understand or appreciate her Jewish heritage and she ignores her older family members when they try to enlighten her. Her experience in World War II, gives her new insight and understanding. In the movie you will see Jewish people put in cattle cars, but not the true extent of the horror of a four day trip of standing room only. You will see the Jewish people pushed, their hair cut, their valuables confiscated. You will see men be hanged after an escape attempt. And near the end, women will be herded together, told to undress (but you don't see any private parts), and walked into a building where gas pellets are dropped down on them and they die. I tell you this because I want you to have a good sense of what your child would see and whether or not you feel it would be appropriate for your family.

The most important message in this film and book is that we not forget our past.

I gave this movie five stars when I ranked it at Netflix.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 4:23 PM | Permalink

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Eph. 5:22

This verse is one that throws many women into a tizzy. They talk of how archaic it is and how it means women should become doormats. It doesn't mean that at all. It simply means that we are to respect our husbands. Husbands are supposed to put our well being above their own.

Check out these verses:

28 In this way husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself, 29 for no man ever hated his own flesh; but he feeds and cherishes it, as the Christ also does the congregation, 30 because we are members of his body. - Eph 5:28-29

Man is commanded to love his wife as himself and to treat his wife as he wants to be treated. If he does as he is commanded, then our submission to him is a return of respect and consideration. Abraham is urged to listen to his wife, Sarah in the Old Testament. A good Christian husband is not one who orders his wife about like some kind of slave and that is not what is meant in the bible. It is a husband who wants the best for his wife, who wants to lift her up and help her to become all she can be.

When we, as wives, make snide comments, second guess every decision that comes from our husband's mouth, and speak rudely of our husbands to others, we are undermining the loving marriage that God intended for us to have. Think about it. How would we feel if our husbands went around telling others that we didn't help around the house enough or that we didn't spend enough time with the children or that we were unattractive? We would grow bitter, wouldn't we? We would stop putting forth the effort to be a loving wife.

Marriage is a two way street. Husbands are responsible for lifting up their wives and wives are responsible for lifting up their husbands. We do this through mutual submission and respect and love. We don't get to talk ugly and then expect them to be all sugar and cream.

None of our husbands are perfect. And some are downright evil (abusive husbands). But if you are not in an abusive relationship or a relationship where your husband is expecting you to do things that go against what God commands you, then you need to step back and cut your husband some slack (I know I need to do this too). Make a habit of saying something kind and loving at least once a day. When we force ourselves to focus on postive, we soon begin to see that there is way more positive there than negative. But if we are always fussing about the negative, it clouds our view of our husband's and it all becomes ugly.

The next time your husband suggests something for you to do, try to hold your tongue and think about it before you start jumping up and down and saying stuff like 'how dare you suggest that?' or 'I'm an adult and can make up my own mind'. Treat your husband the way you likely treat your friends. When a friend says something to you like 'why don't you consider switching jobs to such and such because you are so good at it'...you don't start ranting and raving at them, you at least consider it. How much more do we owe our husbands that same kind of love and consideration?

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Miley Cyrus, whose show Hannah Montana is a staple in our household, has found herself in the news again. This time it is for a photo that will be appearing on the cover of the next edition of Vanity Fair. Now, there is nothing that Miley is showing in this photo that we wouldn't see if she were in a bathing suit or backless dress. But at the same time, this is a young lady that children ages 6-16 admire. They want to dress like her, look like her, be her. I have watched her show and I have admired the fact that Billy Ray and his wife, Tish, have been doing a good job of trying to raise Miley to be as down to earth as they can inspite of her stardom.

But, I can't help wonder what everyone was thinking when they allowed Miley to pose this way. As I said, she is not revealing anything, but the suggestiveness of the pose is not something appropriate for a fifteen year old girl, nor or is this appropriate for a young girl who is a role model to millions of children.

I worry about where Miley will go in the future. I don't want to see her follow the paths of so many recent female stars (like Britney Spears). I know we all make mistakes and Miley says this was one and she has learned from it. If so, bravo for her. If this is a publicity stunt or a way to start moving Miley towards a different audience, then shame on them for losing sight of the audience that they already have a responsibility for.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

A custom-crafted wetsuit may have helped Pierre the African penguin, seen here, recover from a bout of baldness.

Biologists at the California Academy of Sciences commissioned the gear after Pierre began shedding his insulating, waterproof feathers, leaving him with an embarrassingly exposed behind.

Thanks to the custom wet suit and time, Pierre is now doing much better! Way to go for ingenuity on the part of his keepers and Oceanic Worldwide, a supplier of dive gear based in San Leandro, California.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:41 PM | Permalink

As summer nears for us, our thoughts turn towards lazy days spent by a pool or playing in a lake or stream. Well, our elephant friends look like they would love to join us! Go check out this cool video from National Geographic of elephants playing in the water!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:33 PM | Permalink

I was not a big dinosaur fan as a child. I learned about them in school, but I was not that interested in learning extra about them, playing with dino models or pretending to be a dinosaur. Their names were long and annoying. They had lived a long, long, long time ago and well...I was more interested in current day things...like would Shaun Cassidy be coming in concert to Roanoke anytime soon.

Jurassic Park changed that a bit for me. When Dr. Grant and the others first see the dinosaurs while the majestic music played in the background. I was there with them. Hook, line and sinker. I could imagine what it would be like to see these animals first hand. Animals that no longer waled the earth. And it made me a little more interested in dinosaurs, and I couldn't help but notice that there seemed to be more dinosaurs than I remembered studying in school. (I definitely don't remember mention of velociraptors.

What really floored me was when Dr. Grant explained his theory that dinosaurs were really related to birds. I thought 'huh?'. I got the cloning of the dinos from the dino DNA, but dinosaurs related to birds? I had never heard such a thing.

Then I had Jack and Katrina. They have both had some interest in dinosaurs. And since we homeschool, I learned a bit more about them and continued to be amazed at the seemingly ever growing variety of them. And the bird-dino connection was mentioned in more and more of the literature that we read. It is amazing to think that some of the largest animals to ever walk the earth are related to animals, which for the most part, we consider to be some of the most fragile.

Now scientists have been able to take T. rex proteins, which were extracted from soft tissues preserved inside 68-million-year-old fossil remains, and compare these proteins to modern birds and reptiles. It turns out that chickens and ostriches are more closely related to the T-rex than any reptiles. Their research also shows a relationship between Mastodons and elephants.

Fascinating!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:11 PM | Permalink

I never ever tire of seeing photos from space. The colors, the formations...it is all so cool! National Geographic has 7 photos (one of which is below) that show astronomical sights that resemble some down-to-earth creatures.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:05 PM | Permalink

Ancient Site uncovered in Bogota, Colombia is revealing information about ancient inhabitants that previously very little was known about them.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

"Behold you are handsome, my beloved! Yes, pleasant!..." Song of Solomon 1:16a

Remember what it was that first drew you to your husband?

When I met Daniel, I thought he was extremely attractive. Shoulder length black wavy hair, beautiful blue eyes, a charming smile. And we hit it off right away. We had a lovely conversation and we shared interest in things like Star Trek. The first few weeks we dated, he would call me, long distance and talk for an hour (this was back in the day when long distance was 25 cents a minute! He asked to read (and actually read) poetry I had written. He was full of fun and loved to do interesting things. He was spontaneous, kind and friendly.

Now, 18 years later, the hair is no longer black or long. But the eyes are still blue. We still have common interests combined with 18 years of memories. Of obstacles overcome, problems resolved, joys shared, dreams attained, love, laughter, and tears. We have two beautiful children as a result of our joining.

Daniel can still make me smile. He still encourages me to dream and to do something exciting with my life. He continues to take our family to interesting places. We have visted Paris, Canada, California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. This summer we will travel to Illinois and plan to visit Missouri, Ohio, Iowa, and Indiana.

I do often lose sight of telling him how proud I am of him. Of how I still find him attractive. This is easy to forget to share when I am spend a bunch of time fussing about what he doesn't do and how he doesn't meet my ideas of a perfect husband. Funny how I know we aren't perfect. As humans we aren't anywhere close to it, yet in my heart I hold the idea of a perfect husband.

I need to let that idea go. The only place I can find perfection is in God. I need to love my husband for the wonderful person he is. Faults and all. After all, he loves me even with my many faults. I need to let him know on a daily basis what I appreciate about him, what I admire in him, what I love about him. Do you need to do the same?

Have you forgotten what it is that drew you to the man in your life? Have you set it aside in the daily chores of the day? Make a pledge today to bring love and romance back into your life. To let your hubby know how awesome you think he is each and every day.

I love you, Daniel! You are smart, kind, generous. You have a huge dream for your life and you work hard to reach it. Your children love you. We miss you when you are gone and are happy when you return. And here I have written it for the whole Internet to see!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

"...be swift to hear, slow to speak..." James 1:19b

I have always been told it is better to be a good listener instead of someone who talks all of the time. This is something true not just in marriage, but in friendships. I mean, how boring would it be for everytime someone visited you that all they did was talk, talk, talk....

I don't know about you, but I also have a tendency to only half listen. The other half or me is either busy thinking of what I am going to say in response or thinking about my 'to do' list. I have been working hard this last year to be a better listener to everyone. When I get on the phone, I turn away from my computer and do something like wash dishes or crochet. This keeps my hands busy and helps my mind to focus.

A good trick someone taught me is that in order to show you are listening to the speaker, paraphrase back to them what they said from time to time. Maybe saying something like: "What I hear you saying is...." or asking a question that directly relates to what they are saying. And you would be surprised how much people will perk up and talk to you when they believe you are really listening. This can be a wonderful blessing for them as well as for you. So many times in our world today, we are too busy thinking about the next thing to really hear what others are saying. We think others don't notice, but they do.

I can't imagine what a different world this would be if we all stopped rushing along and just listened to what one another had to say. Imagine all of the misunderstandings that could be overcome. Imagine all of the happiness we could give to others by really listening to them. So change your marriage, change your friendships! Open your ears and really listen.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 2:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Sorry, I forgot to do this drawing last night! Congrats to the following winning commenters:

Number 6: cmaxwell

Number 7: Nikowa

Sorry that I don't have a copy for everyone!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

"...but who can find a faithful man?" Prov. 20:6b

Faithfulness is a wonderful but rare quality today, especially in regard to marriage. Do
you understand how important this quality is? Your challenge is to continue to root out
all negative speaking, and plant seeds of encouragement instead. You may be amazed
at what will grow.

Contemporary culture often entices men to be unfaithful to their wedding vows and
spiritual commitments. Appreciate your husband's faithfulness - how he is loyal to you.
Let him know that you are glad he has "stick-to-it-iveness" in your marriage. Appreciate
his faithfulness to God. (If you have an unfaithful husband, this is a difficult area for you.
Pray, speak the truth in love, remain faithful yourself, and discover ways to encourage
faithfulness in your mate. The Bible says that husbands may "...be won by the conduct
of their wives" [1 Pet. 3:1]. You may also want to seek counsel from a mature, godly
individual or couple.) - Revive Our Hearts

I am blessed to be married to a faithful husband.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:14 PM | Permalink

"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!...for riches certainly make themselves wings..." Prov. 23:4-5

"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries." Proverbs 8:21

Money is the root of much marital discord. Ask yourself, "Am I being negative toward my husband in the area of finances?" Determine not to speak evil of your husband in this area. Discover ways to encourage and help him instead.

If he is weak in this area, encourage any good decisions that he does make. Perhaps you can help him, if he's open to the idea, by organizing financial files or providing other practical assistance. Or, if he wants you to handle the finances, ask for his input before you make decisions that will affect him. - Revive Our Hearts

Money has often been a source of discord in our family. We deal with it better these days than we did when we were younger. We used to have terrible arguments. Daniel has made some great choices. Last year, we had money to visit Australia which is something we both have long wanted to do. But he thought about it and decided it would be better if we spent the money on paying off a debt. We don't always make the best financial decisions, but we are doing better and working together always helps.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 3:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

National Geographic is reporting that a gift exchange between Asian rulers several centuries ago may have inadvertently saved a population of elephants from extinction.

The sultan of Java is thought to have sent the Javan elephants as a gift to the sultan of Sulu. For unknown reasons, descendants of the elephants were subsequently shipped to Borneo and abandoned.

Back on Java, the original population went extinct by the end of the 18th century, after the arrival of Europeans in Southeast Asia.

The gift to the sultan of Sulu may therefore have inadvertently kept the lineage alive.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 1:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

"...whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31b

Do you recognize and appreciate your husband's creativity? Or do you criticize and
demean his efforts? Instead of negativity, determine to be positive. Perhaps you can
help your husband see that his efforts are an opportunity to glorify God.

Make his day...Praise his accomplishments in public, while he is listening. -- Revive Our Hearts

With my husband away, praising him where he can hear is tough. But I know from my own personal experience that there is nothing better than when someone compliments me in front of others. He will be home tonight and I will make sure to remember the suggestion for today.

There are so many things that he does well. I particuarly love to hear him play the piano and to see the photographs he has taken. I was also very impressed with his commitment and the thoroughness with which he obtained his private pilot's license. He worked really hard at that and went the extra mile with extra studies and taking lessons that weren't required in aerobatics.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 1:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I wish I had a copy of Do Hard Things to give each of you who commented, but the Random Generator said that Ginnie is the one who gets my giveaway copy of this book. Congrats! And for those of you who didn't win, check out your library or buy a copy of the book for yourself.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:57 PM | Permalink

According to National Geographic the United States is leading the world in wind power growth. Of course, when you are a country as large as ours and have used it as little as we have in the past, it is not hard to beat other countries in your growth. But I am glad to see it! I have told Daniel we should check into getting a wind generator. We have a lot of wind here where we are.

From the article: "Wind resources in just three U.S. states could, theoretically, meet all of our nation's electricity needs," she said in an email.

Unfortunately, despite these excellent projections, there are some who are not convinced:

Earlier this month, Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland banned commercial wind turbines from state-owned land out of concern they would mar the landscape.

A proposed large-scale wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts' Cape Cod has been hobbled in controversy for years. And some environmental groups raise concerns that wind farms pose a risk to birds and bats.

Now, I want to take care of the birds and bats, but we have got to stop throwing up roadblocks to improving our energy situation. Over 35 years ago, we faced a horrible gas situation. I don't remember the long lines and the fact that there were only certain days you could get gasoline. Over 35 years aog, we were talking about how this situation couldn't continue. Here we are 35 years later and no closer to being self-sufficient in the energy department. What happened to pursuing solar energy? Why don't we all have wind powered generators? Even nuclear power has its place...

One can only hope our continued lethargy and 'it will all work out attitude' will change and we will rise to the occasion as we should, before a complete crisis takes hold!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 1:12 PM | Permalink

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29

Another way to describe the positive side of this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" is
by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up." Negative comments only
discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build.

Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother
know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you can drop a word of
praise into a conversation or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you
respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and
weaknesses he may have. - Revive Our Hearts

I learned this lesson the hard way. Early on in our relationship, I was too open with my mother about my complaints and unhappinesses. My mother still holds those early times against my husband. And it is something that is hard to undo, once done. When I speak to my mother-in-law, I never complain or fuss about my husband. I also do work at telling people the good things my husband does and keeping my complaints to myself or talking them over with him.

It is important for all of us to remember that if we think 'bad' thoughts in our heart, that they will rule the way we act. That's why I believe Jesus said that for a man to even look at a woman was the same as having an affair with her. I think he was trying to show us how powerful our thoughts are.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Yesterday, we made the orthodontis trip. Jack does have a bit of an overbite and the orthodontist recommends 2 years of braces to help correct the problem. The bill....$4500.00! That as much as I paid for my first brand new car!

We are contemplating whether we will do this or not. It's tough being put in these choices. If it was simply cosmetic, we would probably skip it. But since there can be issues with jaw problems, we are considering what to do.

As Jack says...."$4,500.00! But it's just some wire!">

Posted by Melissa Markham at 4:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

"...let him labor, working with his hands what is good..." Eph. 4:28

We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have
you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to your husband and to others
about him?

If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more
creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part
of a successful career - such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind,
organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc. from Revive Our Hearts.com

I try to listen to my hubby when he talks about his work. Because he does computer stuff, sometimes what he talks about goes over my head. Daniel is a hard worker and sometimes works way too hard. When he gets into a project, he focuses on it and it is hard to get him to take a break and do anything else.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I was recently granted the opportunity to do a review of Jane Kirkpatrick's Change and Cherish Historical Series ahead of the impending release of A Mending at the Edge which is the third and final book in the series.

I love historical fiction. I love reading a fine story that is woven from the threads of history. It helps me to get a better feel for the period of history being written about. Much better than just dry history texts. I was tickled to get the opportunity not just to read the third book, but I was also sent the first and second books in the series.

Jane Kirkpatrick first learned of fiesty Emma Giesy from a quilting book. She became intrigued and her research of this woman pioneer led to three stories that spanned the life of a woman who wanted to be different and wanted to leave her mark on the world.

In A Clearing in the Wild, we meet the players of this historical saga. We learn about the communal society they live in, its principles, and a bit about its inner workers. Emma is 16 and eager to be married and begin her life. The object of her devotion is much older than she is and he is instrumental to the colony in bringing in new recruits to join their communal living. He is also being groomed to be the next leader of the colony. But all things change and life so seldom goes in the direction we are expecting. Emma becomes the first and only woman of the Bethel colony to head with a group of scounts out West. The railroad is coming and Keil (the leader of the community) wants them to move to a more isolated area where their communal ways won't be questioned or intruded upon. Following these scouts across the country, being with them as they went through their hardships, watching as Emma grew and learned and began their family...Jane Kirpatrick had me right there with them every step of the way. I could sense the tension, smell the evergreens and hear the stillness that only comes when one is deep inside of a forest.

A Tendering in the Storm is a time period that really leads Emma from childhood to womanhood. She whethers storms, difficulties and tragedies and she overcomes. She puts her family ahead of her dreams for self and she does the best she can in very difficult situations. I felt for Emma. I could see the good of communal living, but also the pitfalls. I understood her desire to stand on her own, but knew that it would be almost impossible. Sometimes when she would make a choice I would be shouting in my mind...no, that's not the way to go! At other times, I would be in agreement with her choices, only to find we were both wrong.

A Mending at the Edge is a book full of hope. It describes trials and how Emma weathers them and there is so much, that we the reader can learn from Emma. Her grace, her strength and the way she reached out to others and helped them find themselves again.

Interestingly, one of the things that Emma wanted most was to do something, to be noted for something. And now she has been made immortal in the pages of these books. And her contributions can be enjoyed and gained from by all who read of them.

Now for the giveaway part: I have two copies of A Mending at the Edge to give to two lucky readers. All you have to do is live in the U.S. and leave a comment below. I will choose a winner of Friday April 25th at 6 pm

You can read A Mending at the Edge by itself and gain from it, but I highly encourage you to look for the first two books in the series and read them first. You won't regret the investment of your time or your money.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 2:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

"...love suffers long, and is kind..." 1 Cor. 13:4

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus." Phil. 4:19

From today's challenge:

"Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As you consider your Encouragement Challenge,
determine today that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband.
Speak kindly to him with words of genuine encouragement.

If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank
him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to
be both tough and tender."

This week, we are supposed to be getting a new sidewalk. We have one made of white rock, but the rock tends to slip under foot and with my knee that has gotten a bit temperamental in its old age, the rock puts more strain on it. So Daniel is having a concrete sidewalk put in to take away that hazard for me.

Thanks, sweetie!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 6:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

My friend, Lizzie has tagged me with the 123 Book Tag. I did it awhile back, but since I now have a different book in hand, I thought I would go ahead and do it again:)

The rules are quite simple:
1. Pick up the nearest book of at least 123 pages.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

"We understand that not everyone has a family likie ours, and we'd be exaggerating if we tried to make our family sound anything near perfect. But we hope you catch a vision for collaborating with family - if not with the family you have now, then with other families in your community and with the family you'll have someday.

One of the greatest benefits of modern technology is that it lets us connect with like-minded people regardless of location. Many of our best friends are people we know primarily online, and yet we've been able to work together on some exciting projects."

These lines come from Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations. This book has the power to change the world. And I am giving away a copy of it on my blog! So if you would like to learn more and join in the contest, check out my post about Do Hard Things.

As to the tagging part. I have seen this tag around a bit among my bloggy friends. So if you haven't had a chance to do it or you are looking for some Monday blogging material, feel free to join in! If you do, let me know and I will link to your post below.

1. You're next!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 6:27 AM | Permalink

Katrina is starting to have some interest in the cmputer. We have set her up with an email account and today she was typing an email. She knew that if there was a red line under a word then that word was mispelled, but she had forgotten how to fix it. So I told her to right click and a list would pop up so she could choose the right spelling.

She typed for a moment, then said 'Nothing's happening!' I turned the computer toward me and noticed she had typed 'click'. I went to the word, showing her what to do and correcting her word (wondering why she had typed the word 'click.') which I told her to erase.

A few moments later, she had another misspelling. I reminded her that all she had to do was right click and the list would pop up. She said 'Mommy, I wrote click the last time and it didn't work!' I about died laughing!!!!

I was chuckling and she was looking at me wondering why I was laughing at her. I reached toward the mouse pad and I said 'left click, right click'. Then we both had a good belly laugh!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 3:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

"...through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b

Today's challenge was to find ways that my husband is serving me and my family. This is not a hard thing to do, though sometimes, I lose sight of what he does and don't feel it is enough. I am trying to do better.

My husband is currently serving us by working away from home. He is working in Illinois to make the money to support our family and to pay our past bills. He leaves his home and his family for days on end. He eats a lot of fast food, puts up with a lot of travel woes, and goes to sleep and wakes up alone.

Other ways he serves us is by being willing to help me achieve whatever goals I set for myself. He encourages me to keep learning and he reminds me not to put myself on the back burner. He works so I can homeschool our children. He broadens my horizons. He plays with the children. He calls from Illinois to talk to them. He listens to what they have to say.

Thanks, Sweetie!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 2:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I love the sound of the bagpipe! But when I think of bagpipes, I always think of Scotland. Turns out they also have a long history in Iran

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Can you imagine getting stuck at the top of this 500 foot tall ferris wheel? Can you imagine the view?

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:23 AM | Permalink

Jen is taking the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and so I thought I would join her. I need to focus more on the positives of my husband and encouraging him instead of letting the daily grind and small frustrations be the source of my thoughts of him and actions towards him.

“The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does
him good and not evil all the days of her life.” Prov. 31:11-12

Daniel is working on a business idea that I helped him with over the internet a bit last night. He is in Illinois working. I just sent him an email with some ideas and told him that I loved him.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

They say pictures are worth a thousand words. Here are a few thousand words about what I am seeing around my home!

First time blooms on my redbud

My azalaes are putting on their spring duds.

Dogwoods are blooming, the Japanese maple in the right back was planted by yours truly 12 years ago. It was given to me as a gift when I left my job of 6 years. It fit in my Precis then, but now it is way too big for that!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 4:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I am very bad about getting people to do what they promised to do. I don't like confrontation.

A couple of weeks ago, we hired a fellow to powerwash our deck and restain it. He came that day and got started. The next day he did the staining and then he was done. I wasn't totally pleased with how it looked. There were these splotches. And the best we can figure is that it is from the paint stripper that he used to take up the old paint - there are these splatter marks, like it was thicker in some places and took away more of the paint than in others. He also wanted to get it done right away and didn't pay any attention to the weather. Even though the stain was dry that afternoon, that night it started raining and rained for the better part of the week. I think it washed some of the stain away.

So we were just going to redo it ourselves, but when I was at Lowe's looking at stain and such, the guy there told me that I should just call the guy and tell him. So I screwed up my courage and did it. I mean afterall, we didn't get what we paid for. So I called him and told him I was unhappy with the way the deck looked and would he please come by so we could figure out what to do. I didn't make any threats or anything. He said he would be by in two days (he was busy with other work right then).

Yesterday he came by as promised and he couldn't believe the way the deck looked. He said he had never seen anything like it and if it had been him, he would have called and said something too. He said he wanted me to be happy with the work he did and he will make it right. We are going to pay for more stain, but he will apply it for no additional charge.

Asking to receive the service you paid for is okay. That is my motto for today.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Yesterday, Nibbles, brother to Ella, beloved hamster of Jack, passed on peacefully yesterday. Now Nibbles is scampering about in hamster heaven, young, happy and whole...chasing little girl hamsters and checking out every hamster wheel he passes.

Nibbles will be placed to rest later today in our pet graveyard. We will find him a lovely box, line it with soft material, give him a few snacks for the journey and say our last good-byes.

Jack loved Nibbles, but says he doesn't want another hamster.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Book: Do Hard Things

Author: Alex and Brett Harris

Dates: April 15 - 18

Summary:

With over 10 million hits to their website TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge in a growing movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to “do hard things” for the glory of God.
Written when they were 18 years old, Do Hard Things is the Harris twins’ revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.
Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

Author Bio:

Alex and Brett Harris founded TheRebelution.com in August 2005 and today at age 19 are the most popular Christian teen writers on the Web. The twins are frequent contributors to Focus on the Family’s Boundless webzine, serve as the main speakers for the Rebelution Tour conferences, and have been featured in WORLD magazine, Breakaway, The Old Schoolhouse, and the New York Daily News. Sons of homeschool pioneer Gregg Harris and younger brothers of best-selling author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye), Alex and Brett live near Portland, Oregon.

My Comments:

This book will change everything and it gives me great hope! I was so tired of hearing from my teens and from others around me how it was okay for teens to be disrespectful, lazy, off just doing kid things. I didn't grow up that way and I was a teenager once. My parents didn't beat me. If anything my mother, who had been overworked as a youngster, wanted me to not have a lot of responsibilities at home. But on my own, I chose to do things for her because I loved her. She worked hard all week, I didn't want her coming home and spending her Saturday working cleaning the house. I think that because we give children excuses that we are robbing them of their future productivity.

Does this book sound good to you? Well, then, why don't you leave a comment below? I have one copy to give away! Sorry, this giveaway is for U.S. addresses only. Just leave a comment and I will have a random drawing on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 6 p.m. Good luck!

If you can't wait to see if you will win Do Hard Things, go ahead and purchase it from Amazon.com now. Heck, why not purchase extra copies for the parents and teens in your life!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

First of all, this is a big change from my recent movie watching of Sweeney Todd, I Am Legend and The Mist. I was in need of a change too and this movie is one of the most positive movies I have seen in a long time.

I realize I may be the last person on the planet to be aware of The Secret. But just in case there is someone reading my blog who has not seen the movie or read the book, I would like to encourage you to put it on your must have list (either as a purchase or as a Netflix rental). And, personally I would encourage you to purchase the book if you watch the movie first because you are going to want to refer to it often! And to take notes!

Here is the summary on my Netflix envelop:

Believed to have been in existence for thousands of years, The Secret is only now being shared to the world. It's supposedly what brought success to such greats as Plato, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein and Andrew Carnegie. In this video, The Secret is revealed and taught by over 50 teachers, including writers, philosophers, doctors and scientists, to empower viewers to achieve success in their careers, relationships and health.

I give this movie 8 fingers and 2 thumbs up!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Today, I took Jack and Katrina to the dentist. With Daniel working, we are trying to get all of that normal healt care stuff done. It had been three years since the kids had been to the dentist. We were a bit concerned about Jack's teeth as he has a large gap between his two front teeth.

Well, the good news is that their teeth are in excellent condition. They were both complimented on what a good job they are doing taking care of their teeth. Then I was told that Jack's bite was of concern and that he probably has too much space in his mouth, so on Monday we get to go to the dentist. Several of Jack's friends have braces (is it just me or do more kids seem to have them these days than when we were growing up?). Jack is already listing the things he won't be able to eat if he gets braces....

We are already thinking about the bill...

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Yesterday, I went to Pet Smart to pick up some rabbit food. While there, I also picked up some cat food that I had a coupon for a free four pound bag of. The four pound bag was $10.49, this is more than I pay for a normal 20 lb bag, so it was neat to get it for free. Then when I picked up the bag, there was a coupon on the front of the bag for three free pouches of the wet cat food. They were normally .61 each. So I got up to the register, not sure the pouches would be free, since I had a free coupon for the cat food, but both coupons worked! My cats are feeling very special! But to make it even better, when we flipped the rabbit food over to find the UPC code, there was a tear in the bag. She gave me 15% off and taped it up good as new! It was a good day at Pet Smart!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:34 PM | Permalink

Check out this video of chimpanzees who use spears to hunt, sticks to dig out termites, caves for shelter, and love the water on a hot summer day. I love watching the little one play in the water puddle! Warning: this video heavily mentions evolution.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:35 AM | Permalink

In a small village in India, a child has been born with two faces due to an extremely rare condition known as craniofacial duplication. She is being worshipped as the reincarnation of an Indian goddess.

You can watch a video about this unusual child and you can read more about her as well.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

One of the things I love about my new computer is that I can once again enjoy National Geographic videos. My old one just couldn't handle their video player. Check out this Asiatic Bear who may be looking for a position as a baton twirler!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 7:14 AM | Permalink

1. First Lungless Frog Found The Indonesian frog pictured above respires entirely through its skin and lacks lungs, a new study says. The trait, though rare in nature, may have evolved because of the amphibian's habitat of oxygen-rich, fast-moving water—which might more easily carry away a frog with air-filled lungs.

2. Rare Seahorses Found in the River ThamesShort-snouted seahorses have set up residence in the recovering River Thames, conservationists announced.

3. Alligator Blood May Lead to Powerful New AntibioticsAlligators often engage in violent fights over territories and mates, and scientists have puzzled over why their wounds rarely get infected. Now researchers think the secret lies in the reptiles' blood. Chemists in Louisiana found that blood from the American alligator can successfully destroy 23 strains of bacteria, including strains known to be resistant to antibiotics. In addition, the blood was able to deplete and destroy a significant amount of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

4. Huge Viking Hoard Discovered in SwedenBuried some 1,150 years ago, the treasure trove is made up mainly of Arabic coins and represents the largest early Viking hoard ever discovered in Sweden.

5. Ancient Tools Found in AustraliaThe tools include a piece of flint the size of a small cell phone and hundreds of tiny sharp stones that were used as knives. One local Aboriginal elder saw it as vindication of what his people have said all along—that they have inhabited this land for tens of thousands of years.

6. World's Largest Catfish Species Threatened by Dam

7. New Hi-Res Views of Mars's ''Fear'' Moon Unveiled

8. cool photos and information

9. Salmon Fishing Banned in U.S. Northwest Guess those salmon prices will be going up, up, up!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:04 PM | Permalink

I have had the honor of giving away some lovely Twisted Silver pieces and I even own a couple of pieces myself. This week, I received some terrific news in my email box. Check out these two great deals!

1. 50% off of the Horse Bit Belt and the Horse Bit Bracelet thanks to Maria Shriver. Maria contacted the company to let them know how much she loved these pieces. The people at Twisted Silver are so tickled, they are offering 50% off on these pieces between now and April 18th, 2008. All you have to do is enter MARIA in the promotions code box when you are checking out!

2. 70% off One Day Sale! April 15th, 2008, visit the Twisted Silver website for great deals! All Twisted Silver Outlet items will be 70% off! Dress up your spring wardrobe with the most fashionable jewelry in America! Just enter OUTLET in the promo code box! Enjoy these awesome savings and be the envy of all of your friends!

Happy shopping!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:37 PM | Permalink

Friday, Daniel and I got to watch some movies. Three of them were movies that I had been wanting to see since last fall and one was a movie we have been looking for in stores for a month. Nothing like a day full of movies and crocheting!

First we watched Stargate: The Ark of Truth. If you are a Stargate fan and watched all 10 seasons, you are going to love this movie that ties up a major story line and shows these characters all at their best and bravest. It is action packed and the effects are fantastic! The Stargate lovers in our household give this movie a two thumbs up!

Second we watched I Am Legend with Will Smith. I have never read the book this story is based on, but I saw The Omega Man as a child and it frightened me senseless. I enjoyed the movie, but my husband tells me the book had a better ending. I have always been fascinated by end of the world type movies. It is so very hard to imagine what it would be like to be one of a handful of those left. The solitude. The obstacles to overcome. We give this movie 1 thumb up. It was good. I enjoyed watching it. But Daniel wasn't crazy about it. Mainly the way it ended.

Third, we watched Sweeney Todd. I have been longing to see this movie since it came out as I am a huge Johnny Depp fan. And I couldn't wait to hear him sing based on what little I had heard during the commercials. But I also knew it was going to be a very gruesome movie. And I am not fond of gruesome movies. But I watched it. The cinematography and effects were incredible. The story was horrible (but in a good way...it was well written, it was just a horrifying idea). The music was incredible! While I am not sure if I will watch the movie again or not, I am definitely going to get the soundtrack. There are some amazing songs in it and I love Alan Rickman and Johnny Depp singing together. We give this movie a one thumb up. I loved the music, Daniel didn't think much of the movie even though he is the gruesome lover in the family.

Lastly we watched The Mist. I had really wanted to see this movie. I read the book years and years ago. I listened to a dramatized version of it 20 years ago on audio cassette. The creatures in the movie The Mist are every bit as terrifying as those in King's original story (well, I guess they are, monsters made up in the imagination can be pretty terrifying). I honestly don't remember how the book ended, and I need to go find my copy and reread it. The ending of this movie was shocking and left us with that 'kicked in the gut' feeling. We give this movie a two thumbs up!

So there you have it....our movie reviews for this week. I am reading some books that I will be reviewing next week and there will be giveaways, so be sure to stay tuned!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hey out there, internets! I have been doing Fabulous Freebies for a couple of weeks. And while it is way fun, I am in a readjustment period. I am spending way too much time blogging and reading RSS feeds. Last week when I was working on the computers and not blogging much, I felt like I was really accomplishing something. The time I spend on the computer doesn't make me feel like that. It does make me feel like I am in connection with the rest of the world. But is virtual connection in my best interest? I am not sure.

When I first returned to bloggy world, my sole purpose was to leave a record for my children and to keep track of stories that I found to be of interest. Then I was involved in a couple of things that increased my readership and that was very exciting. Then I used my blog for money until Google pulled the plug on that and that helped keep us solvent in the fall. Now I find myself spending too much time worrying about how many people are coming by and making sure I go by and visit people's blogs every day and I need to re-evaluate.

If I had been able to continue making money writing posts I would not feel like my obsession with my blog was a bad thing, I would be working. But now that I am not making money with my blog, it needs to be pushed back into its proper spot and I need to spend more time on figuring out a part time job I can take on and still homeschool. Sooooo...I am rambling along to say that while I will be blogging, it will be back to my original intent and while I will visit others, it won't be on a daily basis.

If any of you are still with me and you would like to take over doing the Fabulous Freebies post (either daily or once a week), let me know and I will send you the links and give you the format and a couple of hints.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A few years ago we stocked up on five freezer bags from Sam's. The good insulated ones, not the ones that are more flimsy. These bags cost about 7.00 each and they are a real life saver. When we go to the store, we can use them to keep our groceries cold and frozen while we drive the 30 minutes home (great for hot summer months). These things are awesome! And here's an example of why...

Yesterday was a busy day. In the morning we homeschooled. Then from 12-1 was lunch time. During that time, the mail lady came by with a certified letter pertaining to a matter of our subdivision which led to me having to call an attorney. Also during that time, our new Orkin guy arrived and I had to show him around. Then at 1:00 we left to head into town. I had a mammogram scheduled at 1:45 (fun, fun). When they were done torturing me with what is obviously a MANmade device, we dropped some books off by the library and ran into Walmart. I needed to pick up some ice cream for Katrina's small party tomorrow.

I put the ice cream in one of our handy dandy freezer bags for the 30 minute drive home. I thought about putting it in the front seat because we had been so rushed, and we were in a hurry to get home because my sister-in-law would be arriving in less than an hour and my husband shortly after that, but I thought ....nahhh, I'll remember! (foreshadowing)

So we drove home, listening to Peter Pan in Scarlet on audio CD and me thinking of what I still had to do. We got home, grabbed the mail and hustled inside. It was 3:30 and we had about 1/2 hour before people began to arrive.

My sister-in-law showed up at 4:15, then my hubby at 4:35. We were trying to help her with some computer problems. Her computer was doing some very strange things (it no longer recognized her modem, sound card, her Norton program stopped working and more). In the end, we weren't able to help her as her computer is going to have to be restarted from scratch and her computer (purchased from Walmart) didn't come with a recovery disk (you know, wipe and reinstall).

Anyway, that filled up our time for a few hours. About 9:30, I was doing dishes and glanced at my list on the refrigerator. I was suddenly reminded that I had ice cream out in the Xterra!!!! Panic mode! Oh no! $8.00 of Breyer's ice cream in my truck for 6 1/2 hours! We rushed out, brought it in and stuck it in the freezer. It had melted, but not horribly. This morning I checked it, cleaned off the outside of the containers and and all was well.

Thank you freezer bags!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

No More Yawning! written by Paeony Lewis and illustrated by Brita Granstrom was the other book that Katrina received for her birthday. Paeony is another favorite author of Katrina's and she enjoyed the previous Florence and Arnold story she had read, No More Cookies! so she was excited to find there was another Florence and Arnold tale to read.

Florence and Arnold are on their way to bed, but they keep getting sidetracked during their attempts. We enjoyed reading the various ideas to try to help a youngster go to sleep and we all sat around seeing how big we could yawn while we read through the book. (Mommy can yawn pretty big!) Paeony ends the book with more ways to help youngsters go to sleep and with suggestions on how to keep a journal of dreams.

Katrina says: The book is lots of fun! And I count sheep sometimes too!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:34 PM | Permalink

One of the books that Katrina got for her 8th birthday was The Fat Stock Stampede at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This book is written by Dotti Enderle and illustrated by Chuck Galey. Dotti lives in Texas and she loves writing about the state she calls home. This is the second book where Dotti has dealt with a chaotic event arising from a seemingly innocent activity by a young man named Jake. You can read my review about the previous book, The Cotton Candy Catastrophe at the Texas State Fair.

Jake is walking through the stockyard sweeping his hand across the corrals that the livestock are hanging out in. He doesn't realize that while he is trailing his hand along the fence, he is unlocking the pens. The livestock escapes and chaos ensues. It is only through Jake's ingenious disguise that all is made right again. One thing my kids really liked about it was the fact that 4-H was mentioned. We joined a 4-H Homeschool Club this year. We are a service club, not a livestock club, but it still gave them a sense of familiarity.

Katrina says: I wanted to read this one because I had read The Cotton Candy Catastrophe at the Texas State Fair. I enjoyed the book, the terrific illustrations and Jake's ingenuity. I think it's funny that Jake keeps doing things that aren't mean to cause problems, but the problems that result are huge. I also like that he is able to solve the problems in the end!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:31 PM | Permalink

Welcome to Fabulous Freebies. I will be sharing some great freebies with you from around the blogosphere. I plan on this being a daily column so be sure to come back for the latest in Freebies!

And while most of these freebies simply require you to fill out a form, another form of freebies comes in the shape of contests. Laura at Laura William's Musings

Children Freebies (Baby Stuff too)

Several free downloadable brochures for moms, babies, children, first aid

Educational Freebies

Free Animal Times Magazine Subscription from Teachkind

Food or Food Related Freebies

Free ZGC Tea Sample

Health & Beauty Freebies

1. Free Trial Size of Sensodyne Toothpaste
2. Glucocil - Diabetic Dietary Support Formula sample
3. Free Pure & Basic Natural Skin Care Samples
4. Free Sample of Zostrix Arthritis Cream
5. Free information kit about the risk of heart attack and stroke from PAD
6. Free Medicines and Pregnancy Info Pack From The Federal Citizen Info Center

7. Magazine Subscriptions & Free Books

8. Car and Driver - year subscription
9. Free GARDENWISE: Non-Invasive Plants for Your Garden booklet These are for Washington State.
10. Free Wine Stopper Register, and type in WINE for the special offer code.

Miscellaneous

1. Free Blank DvD-R Worldwide Give Away
2. Free Sample Sachet Packet - Earthrise Spirulina
3. Great Lysol Savings
4. Free Pledge of Allegiance Bumper Sticker

Pet Related Freebies

Free All Natural Dog Treat Sample -- Brad's Dog-E Heaven

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:15 AM | Permalink

I have been thinking a lot lately about what type of work I would like to do. I would like to help DH support our family financially. But what to do. DH thinks I should work more on my HTML skills and get work helping people design their websites. While I can muddle through HTML, I am not sure it is the best use of my talents. And while I can write and figure out the code, I am very weak in the 'designing area'. I mean, having someone come to me and say, build me a website, I just feel a bit overwhelmed by such a prospect considering how much I struggled to get my webstie working (and there are still things I would like to change).

A job I have recently thought of. The last couple of days I have been trying to help my sister-in-law do some trouble shooting with her computer. I needed some advice from DH, but I think with a class or two in this, I could do a good job of it and this type of work suits my personality more. I love a good puzzle and that's what this would be. Someone's computer not working? Well, I could figure out the pieces and get it working again. And I like working with computers and with people. I have been working with computers for 18 years, so I have experience. I could get certification, then start up my own business and work according to my hours, so I would still be able to homeschool, then work in the afternoons and evenings. This has a lot of appeal to me.

I have friends who have tried the positions of day trader or futures broker. While I am sure these are good positions for some, I am clueless in that arena and will leave that work to the people who know what the heck they are doing (or at least they do a good job of pretending that they know what they are doing).

Other things that interest me are library work, book store work, office manager work, writing (anything to do with writing), and people oriented activities. I am organized, great at multi-tasking, a quick learner and reasonably good with entertaining and teaching children. I am still thinking on this. My main criteria is that it is something that I can work around homeschooling.

So, what kinds of jobs do you and/or your homeschooling friends do?

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Welcome to Fabulous Freebies. I will be sharing some great freebies with you from around the blogosphere. I plan on this being a daily column so be sure to come back for the latest in Freebies!

And while most of these freebies simply require you to fill out a form, another form of freebies comes in the shape of contests. Laura at Laura William's Musings

Children Freebies (Baby Stuff too)

Free Planet Heroes DVDOn the right hand side, there should be an advertisement for a Planet Heros free DVD. Click on it & it should get you to the freebie.

Educational Freebies

1. Proverbs to Live By Paperdolls: Book I Godly Daughter
2. Free Resource Materials courtesy of Oral Deaf Education
3. Free North Dakota wheat posters

Food or Food Related Freebies

1. Mark your calendars for 5/1/08 because Carvel Ice Cream Stores Free Arctic Blender or Blended coffee during a 'happy hour' between 4 and 6 p.m.
2. Hidden Valley Ranch "Original Bites" Cookbook download.
3. Free Mocha Iced Latte’ Night at Sonic -- April 9 from 5 PM to 8 PM

Health & Beauty Freebies

1. Free Haircut - check with your local salon. If you have more than 10 inches to cut off and the local salon participates in the Locks of Love program, they will give you a free haircut. So just think, you can give to someone else and get a new look at no charge! So just call your local salon and see if they participate:)
2. Windy Ridge Farm Sample of Hand Creme or Lip Balm - SASE Scroll down a bit so you can get the address. This is set up so you can try a sample before spending a lot of money buying!
3. Free sample of NEW Baby Phat Fabulosity fragrance
4. Free Sani-Hands Kids Hand Wipes from Cora & Cory
5. Sore No More sample
6. Free Remergent Beauty Product Sample
7. Free Sample of Eucerin Calming Creme
8. Infusions Body Wash
9. Sample Of Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Liquid Foundation
10. Free Color Shampoo
11. Free Gillette Body Wash

Magazine Subscriptions & Free Books

1. Interview Magazine Subscription
2. Sweet Potato Recipe Brochures
3. 1 Year Subscription to American Cheerleader Magazine
4. American Chemistry magazine subscription

Miscellaneous

1. Free just’a drop personal bathroom odor eliminator Email them and request a sample, it was in Lucky magazine
2. Free Scotch-Brite Disposable Toilet Scrubber w/ Bleach Starter Kit - Printable Coupon
3. Free HP laptop skin for HP and Compaq laptop owners + Free shipping
4. Free Sanford Uni-Ball 207 Gel Pen
5. $25 in free postage stamps from stamps.com

Pet Related Freebies

1. Bio Spot® Spot On® Flea & Tick Control for Dogs
2. Pedigree Puppy Program

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:11 AM | Permalink

Today was my daughter's golden birthday. A term I had never heard until recently. She is 8 and today is April 8th. And it was golden indeed.

We have had the best day and the memory of it will long outlast any of the material aspects of the day. My mom had given Katrina money for her birthday and while we had purchased her some gifts, what she wanted didn't use up all of her birthday budget, so I gave her the rest in cash. Plus she got some other money for her birthday, so she had $133.00 in her pocket and was very excited to spend the day with me shopping.

We were all up by 7:30. I let her open a couple of her gifts today. The rest we are saving until her dad is home this weekend and her friend is over to spend the night. That is when we will have cake and ice cream. She received two autographed books and a lovely pendant made by Zuda Gay We read the two books (watch for reviews in the next day or two). No More Yawing by Paeony Lewis and The Fat Stock Stampede at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo by Dotti Enderle.

Once we got some breakfast and got all of our stuff together, we headed out. Jack decided shopping wasn't what he wanted to do for the day, so he stayed here, did his math, practiced piano and played Civilization.

Here is a picture of Katrina with her present pile.

Here are some photos of Katrina with her two new books:

Our first stop was the Goodwill (we had to stop at the library and the Goodwill was nearby...we couldn't pass that up). Katrina purchased 10 items of clothing and four stuffed animals and a cute purse for $22. She's a smart shopper like her mommy!

After the Goodwill, we headed to the mall and our date at Claire's. Katrina really wanted her ears pierced, but she was nervous. First you can see her with the Claire animal to squeeze while the deed was being done. Then you can see her afterwards. She didn't cry or scream or flinch. I was proud of her! It's hard to see the earrings, but they are cute pink flowers. After getting her ears done, then she took advantage of a 1.00 sale that was going on and picked up some other goodies at Claires.

Next we had lunch at Chick Filet, then Katrina wanted to stop in the arcade. She was excited to see they had Skee Ball, but even more excited to find out the game was broken...in a good way...The balls kept falling down without her putting any money in. Of course, she wasn't getting points or tickets, but she loved throwing all of the ball...what could be better on your birthday, than unlimited Skee Ball!?

She also got to take a ride on a magical carousel.

Before leaving the mall, we stopped at Sears to look at what they had available. They had a beautiful dress that was on sale (40% off). Katrina fell in love with it and as she tried it on in the changing room, she was talking about how she always dreamed of having a dress like this. So here she is in her dream dress.

Katrina's grandmother sent her a lovely bathing suit, but when we tried it on, we discovered that even though it was a one piece bathing suit, it was missing more material than we were happy with, so we took it to Walmart and exchanged it. While there, Katrina bought two pairs of summery shoes and we picked up a birthday present for her friend who is coming this weekend (who had a birthday on the 5th). Shopping is hard work and we worked up an appetite, so our next stop was Cold Stone Creamery.

We stopped at A.C. Moore's to pick up some ribbon I needed and Katrina found 14 lovely fuzzy bears that came in a rainbow of colors. This was one of her favorite finds of the day....a quarter each. Jack wanted to be in the picture too!

Our last stop was Toys 'R Us. Katrina had received a 3.00 gift card from the store in honor of her birthday. She still had 11.00 left and that was where she wanted to go for her final stop. What she didn't realize was that I knew birthday children get special attention on their special day. She was tickled not only to receive these mementos, but she loved hearing the customer service attendant announce that it was her birthday over the loud speaker.

And lastly, the icing on the cake was when Katrina deposited .50 cents into the sticker machine on the way out of Toys 'R Us and got the Hannah Montana Sticker she wanted most. It just doesn't get any better than that, folks!

I cannot possibly begin to say how much I enjoyed this special day with my daughter. I think we will be making it an annual event. Happy Birthday, sweetheart!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Well, I had planned to have Freebies up for today, but Hughes Net had other plans for me. Last night, one of the many programs I have had to install on the new computers decided to do some major updating. Hughes Net has a policy that if you exceed their predetermined amount of bandwidth, it is called exceeding fair use or some such. Anyway, when I exceed the limit, they slow down my internet connection to the point where using dial up looks like being on a NASCAR speedway in comparison!

So I can't go out and visit dozens of sites looking for Freebies. Sorry. Tomorrow is my dear daughter's 8th birthday and we are looking forward to a day of shopping and fun. She will be getting her ears pierced and then she has birthday money from us and her grandparents that she will be spending on clothes. She is very excited and wants to go to bed early tonight so tomorrow will hurry up and get here.

For all of you whom have commented I will be in touch once Hughes Net lets me back into the world of Internet! And for those of you I regularly visit, I'm sorry, this madness should ease soon! And for those of you looking for Freebies, I am sorry. I really hope to have some up Wednesday.

Blessings!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 5:35 PM | Permalink

Last weekend, we had Daniel home with us. That is always a happy time. We also had a belated Easter dinner with my stepsons, Bruce and Charles, my sister-in-laws family, and Bruce's roommate, Ryan. We had a good time visiting. We were disappointed that the weather was wet and cold and we couldn't eat outside, but we made the best of it.

Wednesday, my mom came and stayed with the kids while I went for my yearly physical. I got to meet a new doctor and we had a good chat. I asked her about weight loss plans and she told me about a weight loss program at the doctor's office called Cornerstone. I made an appointment for Friday. Once I got home, we were putting out some mulch and the UPS guy came and delivered our two laptops. I began working on getting them set up for use. The kids and I enjoyed some of the Toshiba games that came with the laptop...unfortunately, they have to be purchased after one free trial. Not fair!!!!

Thursday, we had a long 4-H meeting as the officers met early and they continue to try to get our by-laws worked out. Who know that such a thing could be so difficult!

Friday, I met Kevin, my Cornerstone guide/coach. He used this cool thing to determine my lean body mass and my body fat. We talked some and he presented me with my diet plan which includes shakes and supplements and emphasis on proteins and low glycemic index carbs. I am in day two....I am sleepy, tired, have a killer headache, and adjusting as I go through sugar withdrawal...but this too shall pass. If anyone ever tells you that you can't be addicted to sugar, they are so lying through their teeth!

Yesterday was the big computer push and I got a lot done. I still have a few more odds and ends to work out, but the two laptops are mostly functional. I need to set up Money and Quickbooks (personal and business), but I am having a hard time focusing....heck, I'm having a hard time focusing on posting. Hopefully, I have made some sense:)

Posted by Melissa Markham at 1:14 PM | Permalink

If you are not familiar with The Old Schoolhouse Magazine or if you have heard of it, but have been putting off purchasing a subscription, now is a great time to subscribe.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's popular subscription promo is back this Spring and in full bloom! It's their 25 for $25 Spring Promo and you don't want to wait. Their Winter gift promo sold out early, so subscribe NOW to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine before these fantastic gifts are gone. From preschool to college, they have it all. You'll not only receive four terrific issues packed with encouragement, resources, and ideas, you'll receive over $550 in BONUS gifts from these popular homeschool companies:

• Hand of a Child - 6 month super membership
• Schola / PHONICS Road to Spelling and Reading - A Brief History of English Spelling E-Pamphlet
• God's World/World Magazine - 4 free issues of WORLD Magazine and 2 month's worth of WORLD Magazine
• Kinderbach - Discover Music Package, five lessons on DVD & activity e-book included
• Adorned With Modesty - Proverbs Paperdolls Books I and II, 16 Short Sermons and a $3.00 coupon.
• KT Graphics - Free month subscription to Helpme2teach.com
• Knowledge Box Central - Declaration of Independence CopyWork Notebook and a Human Heart Lapbook
• Homestead Originals - Homestead Simplicity e-book
• Clark Health – Educational Health Audio
• Vintage Remedies – Kitchen Herbal e-book
• Knowledge Quest - What Really Happened: A Collection of Historical Biographies
• Remembrance Press / The Gift of Writing - The Girlhood Home Companion E-sampler and The Pebbly Brook Farm Stories mp3 download
• Systematic Math - DVD Math sample lessons for 6th grade and up
• Deeper Roots Publications - Encouragement for Home School Moms book
• LGS Services, Inc./Little Giant Steps - Auditory booklet, Heroes DVD, plus, a free Auditory Processing Test Kit
• Motherboard Books - Silly Animations e-lesson
• New Harvest Homestead - 5 Free issues of their newsletter
• Internet Safety Editorial - Free 12 month subscription to Safe Eyes
• American Heritage Education Foundation, Inc. - K-12 Social Studies lesson plans America's Heritage, Adventure & Liberty
• Paws N Tales - Free MP3 Download of Paws & Tales Episode
• Math Facts Now - Math Facts Now! computer program
• ALEKS Corporation - Free 1-Month of ALEKS Math (for new users)
• Teach Magazine - A free e-newsletter and e-book "Organizing Happiness"
• Write Shop - Free e-gifts! 224 StoryBuilder Cards, WriteShop I sample lesson, and coupon.
• Homeschool in the Woods – Artists Activity Pack

Subscribe NOW to reserve your set of these INCREDIBLE 25 BONUS gifts, before they're gone, again!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Just a note to say hello. This week, two new laptops arrived at our home. We are very excited as my 3 1/2 year old laptop was not doing very well and Jack and Katrina's 5 year old desk top was getting so slow as to me exceedingly fretful!

So I spent yesterday evening and I am spending today getting these two computers up and running. You know...file transfers, setting up Outlook, installing things like Quickbooks and Office, gathering updates. So There will be no freebies for today. And a good chance there won't be any for tomorrow either. But they should be back on Monday.

I have to tell you I love my new Toshiba. The DVD drive is built in (I hate external drives...one more thing to keep up with). The plugins are on the sides and front of the computer instead of the back. The screen is larger than my other one and I can read this so much better than my old laptop. The colors are great....I am in love;)

I also have a built in web camera as does Jack. Our computers are exactly the same. His camera is working and mine is not. That is on my list of things to fix, but right now I am downloading huge amounts of updates...fun, fun, fun:) Thank goodness I am not having to do it on dialup!

Blessings!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Welcome to Fabulous Freebies. I will be sharing some great freebies with you from around the blogosphere. I plan on this being a daily column so be sure to come back for the latest in Freebies!

And while most of these freebies simply require you to fill out a form, another form of freebies comes in the shape of contests. Laura at Laura William's Musings

Children Freebies (Baby Stuff too)

USDA Having Fun at Your Local Farmers Market Coloring Book

tattoo of the Peter and the Shadow Thieves-SASE

Clothing & Accessories

Wartburg College T-shirt/Iowa-PU at admissions office

Craft Freebies

Educational Freebies

Free worksheets and ebooks for Earth Day

An informal history of the 1920s

Homeschoolbuyersco-op Free homeschool i.d., free classifieds, free field trip information, free curriculum and more!

Life Prep For Teens - Learn about buying first car!

USDA Having Fun at Your Local Farmers Market Coloring Book

Cattle in Colorado History/teachers

Environmental Health Publications, stickers, magnets, bookmarks, more

Caspian Outreach Kit \

Anti-Drug Posters, postcards from Vibe

Anti-Drug & Anti-Meth Posters from Michael Jason Enterprise

Food or Food Related Freebies

Free hot dog and 32 oz drink at QuikTrip

Health & Beauty Freebies

Similasan Healthy Eyes Free Eye Drop Samples/Drs only

Free Samples from Serious Skincare

Free Sample ~ ALCiS Topical pain cream

Bilogika Free Organic Guide to Healthy Skin catalog

Free sample of Caress Brazilian Exotic Oil Infusions Body Wash

Free Sample of Neutrogena Oil-Free Power-Clear Scrub Scroll down a little bit to Special Offers and click "free sample."

Free sample of Dr Kranes KoolLips cold sore treatment

Free Excite Sensual Gel Sample

Free sample of Cetaphil DailyAdvance Lotion

Walmart- Gillette 2 in 1 bodywash

Gilden foot cream

Magazine Subscriptions & Free Books

Free Lucky magazine

Free 20 issue subscription to sport diver

Free subscription to cycle world

Free subscription to PC Magazine

Donate a Free Mosquito Net to Africa from the United Nations Foundation

Free Glow Pen from Xerox -- Business -- Expires 5/20/08

Free Download-Secrets to Growing Carnivorous Plants

Pet Related Freebies

Posted by Melissa Markham at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Welcome to Fabulous Freebies. I will be sharing some great freebies with you from around the blogosphere. I plan on this being a daily column so be sure to come back for the latest in Freebies!

And while most of these freebies simply require you to fill out a form, another form of freebies comes in the shape of contests. Laura at Laura William's Musings

Children Freebies (Baby Stuff too)

Harper Teen - Preview Free Books

Food or Food Related Freebies

Free Pom Juice

Health & Beauty Freebies

1. Free sample of Secret Clinical deodorant - text HOT to 467467 on your cell phone
2. Free Glucocil Diabetic Dietary Supplement sample

Magazine Subscriptions & Free Books

1. Free Subscription to Shape Magazine
2. Harper Teen - Preview Free Books

Miscellaneous

1. Free Reusable Shopping Tote from Earthbound Farm Organic
2. Free Posters Porsche Boxster RS 60
3. Free DvdPlay Movie Rental
4. Free Oasis Packaging Sample Kit
5. Free Poster from CIRCLE OF PEACE YOGA & HEALTH CENTER

Posted by Melissa Markham at 8:27 AM | Permalink

When I was a child, I felt sorry for my best friend. Christie's mom was a firm believer in vitamins and natural foods. While I thought Mrs. Jones made the absolute best bread in the world, I was bummed that we never got to eat things like Doritos. Plus Christie had to take vitamins. She was the only girl I knew who did have to take vitamins and it seemed weird. And I am sure Christie felt a bit weird about it when she had visitors over. Now Christie is in great shape and she is a nurse. Her hubby is a pharmacist and they are probably still taking vitamins.

In the last 15 years, I have learned more about vitamins. My dear hubby is a firm believer in vitamins and can really tell a difference in how he feels. As I have done some reading and listened to him, I have added some vitamins to my daily regimen. I take an aspirin everyday. Heart attacks and blood clots run in my family. I figure it's a good idea to take the aspirin! I take flax seed oil, fish oil, a multivitamin, a calcium/magnesium combo (the calcium doesn't work without the magnesium), and Biotivia Bio Quench. Bio Quench is a super antioxidant supplement. It contains tras-resveratrol, apple extract, Goji Berry Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Mangosteen Extract, Grape Seed Extract, and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Antioxidants are designed to slow signs of aging and reduce free radicals.

When I went for my yearly check-up today, I shared with my doctor the vitamins and supplements I was taking. She said I was making some good choices. It's funny that 30 years ago, I thought my best friend's mother was a bit odd. Now I am making the same choices for myself. She was ahead of her time!

Posted by Melissa Markham at 6:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Welcome to Fabulous Freebies. I will be sharing some great freebies with you from around the blogosphere. I plan on this being a daily column so be sure to come back for the latest in Freebies!

And while most of these freebies simply require you to fill out a form, another form of freebies comes in the shape of contests. Laura at Laura William's Musings

Children Freebies (Baby Stuff too)

1. Pull-Ups Big Kid Central Interactive Potty Training Success DVD
2. Free Hanes KidFit Tape Measure
3. Enfamil - Get a certificate for a FREE sample of baby formula

Educational Freebies

1. free info for bird lovers Migration patterns and regional info here
2. The Gym of the Mind DVD from K12
3. Poster from Missouri Dept. of Agriculture There’s much more to Missouri’s agriculture industry than farming. This poster depicts various careers available in agriculture and includes Web site references helpful to those who want to learn more about career opportunities in agriculture.
4. Posters, Booklets, About Hawaii/educators Hawaii only

Food or Food Related Freebies

1. Free sample of Crownies These look really yummy!
2. Free Thirstbuster fountain drink at Circle K
3. Free Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis Sample
4. free energy drink from brands to go

Health & Beauty Freebies

1. Free 8 week membership to PodFitness It offers custom audio workouts with celebrity fitness experts and music.
2. Free Sample of ACTIV-FLEX Cohesive Tape from Johnson & Johnson
3. Free Sweat Block Deodorant Sample
4. Free Dr. Hotze’s PowerPak Vitamin & Mineral Supplement Sample
5. Free 14 day sample of Nature Made Liquid Softgel vitamin
6. First Aid Kit from The George Washington University Hospital ~ DC Metro area only
7. Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People

Magazine Subscriptions & Free Books

1. Spirit 1 Free King James or American Standard Version Bible
2. Free subscription to Arthritis Self-Management

Miscellaneous

1. Post-it Highlighter, Designer Desk Grip Dispenser or Portable Note Holder Click on Sophie's Free stuff and answer the quiz questions. Here are the answers: 18, Durable Tabs, Command Adhesive, Pop-Up Note Dispenser, 2 inches, All of the above, and 22 inches x 18 inches. Entries with all seven questions answered correctly will receive one of the following: Post-it® Flags Highlighter, Post-it® Designer Desk Grip Dispenser or Post-it® Designer Portable Note Holder.
2. Candle for a New home/Illinois only
3. Three Free Gurkha Cigars in a Case & Hat It doesnt say on the site, but the catalog usually comes with a few free cigars in a case and a hat.
4. Free offers from Maker's Mark Whiskey (21+)
5. Free greeting cards
6. Fire Decal Samples
7. Bryan Clauson Autographed Hero Card - SASE
8. Free Harman Kardon CD Visor Wallet
9. Free Fuel Economy Guide

Pet Related Freebies

1. Free Sample of Cesar Canine Cuisine
2. Get Your FREE Training and Behavior Packets

Posted by Melissa Markham at 10:19 AM | Permalink

My hubby sent me the link to this article this morning and I wanted to pass it on.

I don't talk a lot on my blog about homeschooling. I am passionately committed to it, but I also believe we all have different viewpoints as to the value of homeschooling versus public schooling and as to the value of the different types of homeschooling that are out there. I hang out with people who range from unschoolers to people who use a complete curriculum and classroom desks. We are in the middle somewhere.

I am deeply disturbed that what was a given a hundred and fifty years ago (education taking place in the home) is now questioned. I understand that there are parents that abuse their children or who aren't competent, but that has always been the case. There are parents of children in the school system that abuse their children and are competent in regards to bringing up a child. And those children are not always found out just because they are in the public system.

Our government was created on the principals that we are to be ruled by the people. The people are supposed to be in charge, but we seem to be willing to hand over more and more of our freedoms to a bureaucracy that doesn't always have our best interests at heart. And I think we do this because we are lazy. It is easier to let someone else settle these matters than put forth the efforts ourselves.

I hope that things will even out in California as the rest of the country has a tendency to look to Californians as leaders. But if things go against homeschoolers in California, the rest of us have a duty to speak up and to make sure our rights as parents are not trampled on.

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:14 AM | Permalink

Jack is growing up. He likes it when he gets to stay at home for a few hours by himself. He offers to help with things like bringing in the groceries. The other day he went outside and did five loads of mulch on his own while I was inside watching a movie.

Today he wanted to stay home while we went to town. He asked if he did his chores if it would be okay for him to watch television while I was gone(usually there is no television during the week before 5:00 I told him that if he did five loads of mulch and played the piano, then he could watch his Stargate Atlantis Netflix movie that arrived today. Then I went to take my shower so Katrina and I could scoot.

When we came out, he said the wheel had fallen off of the wheelbarrow on his very first load and so he went and took on another task I had talked about a few days ago He dug a hole in the ground so we could relocate a bird feeder to a new home, then he put the pole into the hole and got it all standing up for me. This is the kind of initiative I love to see in my children and I hope to see more of it as my son grows older.

Now if we could only figure out which of the acne treatments out there would be best for him, and what he should do about the hints of facial hair growing on his lip, and how I am supposed to correct my 11 year old son who is now a tad above eye-to eye with me... They grow up so quickly, don't they?

Posted by Melissa Markham at 6:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Welcome to Fabulous Freebies. I will be sharing some great freebies with you from around the blogosphere. I plan on this being a daily column so be sure to come back for the latest in Freebies!

And while most of these freebies simply require you to fill out a form, another form of freebies comes in the shape of contests. Laura at Laura William's Musings

Children Freebies (Baby Stuff too)

1. Flexitol Organics Baby Wash and Shampoo sample


2. Free Sample of Huggies Diapers

Educational Freebies

1. Free Bookmarks of Historical Figures
2. Real Mother Goose Sample

Food or Food Related Freebies

Free Low Carb slower cooker recipes

Health & Beauty Freebies

1. Gillette 2 in 1 Body Wash from Walmart
2. Free FlexNow Wristlet for Joint Pain & Coupons The offer is in the bottom left hand corner.
3. OneTouch® UltraMini™ Meter in color at no charge
4. Free Revive skincare samples
5. Free Skin care sample from Laderma
6. Free Samples from the Cetaphil Skin Care Club
7. Free sample of Dove go fresh Deodorant
8. Free Trojan Condom Sample

Magazine Subscriptions & Free Books

Free Six Month Subscription to Professional Photographer

Miscellaneous

1. Free Personalized Pen from Engraving Dragon
2. FREE Lawn Samples from "Lazy Lawn"
3. free Charmin mega roll expander
4. Free Spring Address Labels

Pet Related Freebies

1. Catster Stickers - SASE
2. Free Sample of Greenies for Dogs & Cats

Posted by Melissa Markham at 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)