Mom...We found a fossil!!!!

Tyler has finished his bookwork part of his studies.....so he's now done for the summer. This now allows him the time, in the nice weather, to focus on what he wants to do. Much of this time is divided between cartooning and exploring around outside.

Today, him and Brittney decided they'd like to explore around outside for a bit. Jake was busy drawing and didn't really want to be disturbed but after a bit of coaxing, he decided to join them.

That meant I was home alone....and did it ever seem quiet! After a bit of time had passed, a couple of excited kids come bursting into the house, yelling, "MOM, MOM.....WE FOUND A HUGE FOSSIL". They were obviously excited and seeing how our area is rich in fossils, they were sure they'd found one --- and a huge one at that. Before heading out again, they asked for the camera so they could take a picture of their latest find. A little while later, they returned with the above pictures.

Hmmm...it was a little difficult to see from the pictures, but it was much larger than any fossil I'd ever seen. A closer look is what I wanted, so we struck out again. On the way, we enlisted the services of our neighbour's friend. She gladly came along to analyze 'the fossil'.

Much to their disappointment, it turned out to be a cleverly designed piece of art work and not a fossil. Using the natural colour of the rock (no paint was used), the creator used a rock tool to dig very tiny holes which created the design. A very interesting technique and find, even though it was a fossil they were looking for.

Oh well....the hunt continues. ;0)

Homeschooling support

As we're winding down our sixth year of homeschooling, I can hardly believe we've been at it for so long. In the beginning, our intention was to homeschool Brittney and do it for a year or two, until she regained some of the confidence she had lost.

I spent the better part of a year researching the whole idea of homeschooling. It really wasn't something I thought I could do. Larry, on the other hand, said, "Oh it will be a piece of cake." Easy for him to say.

Just as I was ready to say I thought I could homeschool Brittney, Tyler announced that if she got to stay home, then he wanted to too. Oh my....I was sort of confident I could homeschool one, but TWO??? ......I wasn't so sure. Back to the research.

My biggest support came from the internet. I knew one person, sort of, that homeschooled. I called her first and she was more than happy to talk about it. I made *the* biggest mistake though that most people do.....the first question I asked her was "What about socialization?" ....ooohhh....that makes me cringe to think I would ask that .... it is the most asked question homeschoolers get (and the most dreaded as it really is a non issue).

I read many articles and joined a couple of on-line discussion groups. I received a lot of info and ideas from the experienced homeschoolers there. After researching for almost a year, we were fairly sure we would homeschool. Before making the final commitment though, we attended one of the many conferences held in our area. It was after attending that, we were convinced homeschooling could work for us. After all, we'd just be doing it for a year...maybe two.... and how much damage could we do in that short period of time?

As I mentioned off the top.....we're now finishing our sixth year with no plans of quitting just yet.

In Memory

It was 25 years ago today that I started working at Aviation Supplies at the Oshawa Municipal Airport in Oshawa. Wow, time sure does fly by!

I had gone for an interview just a few days prior and it was there I met Mr. Bill Cox. It was an interview I wouldn't soon forget as it was much different than any I had been on or have been on since. Besides Mr. Cox, there were two other younger guys there. One named Jim (who I later found out was Mr. Cox's son but didn't know that at the time) and another young guy named Dean. I was invited in to begin my interview, and these two other young fellows came along as well. The one named Dean brought coffee for all of us....and the interview began.

Now, Mr. Cox was one of these people who's bark was worse than his bite. He appeared gruff on the outside, but (as I later learned)....he had a heart of gold. It appeared to be coffee break time as the two young guys stayed in there and listened to the interview while they drank their coffee. Mr. Cox sat at his desk in front of me asking me questions. The fellow named Dean, stood behind me and told me the answers.....to all of the questions I was asked. I know Mr. Cox heard Dean....but he never batted an eyelash...just kept on going. Having Dean tell me the answers made it rather difficult for me to concentrate on the interview.....I was afraid Mr. Cox was going to get angry and yet I didn't know Dean well enough to know what was going on. I still remember the final question from Mr. Cox....."What is a P.O.?" he asked in his gruff voice..... to which I replied, "A post office?". After a few seconds of *that* stare he had.....he shook his head back and forth and said...."Don't ask me.....I don't know."

I got the job.....and that started a new chapter in my life. I had so badly wanted a job in the city. I wanted to get my own apartment and move out of the small town I had grown up in. This job enabled me to do all of that.

Mr. Cox was one in a million. I never ever heard anyone say a bad word about him....not ever. He was a great guy to work for.....he made me feel like one of the family. He always had great advice. Sometimes it didn't seem like over the top kind of advice at the time but proved to be invaluable later on in my life.

I was saddened by the news I received recently......Mr. Cox passed away a few days ago. He will be missed by many.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Cox.

Some things just take more time....

I have been diligently working with Jake on his bedroom-cleaning skills. His bedroom is as busy as his mind is. With so many things to do, well there just isn't enough time in a day to accomplish all he needs to and tidy up his room as well.

This has been going on for some time now and this skill doesn't come quite as quickly to him as say.....money skills have. That's ok, I know some things are learned faster while others take a little bit more time. I, sometimes-very-patiently-and-other-times-not-so-patiently, work with him on this skill, day after day, week after week, month after month and yes...year after year. He is making progress though, compared to where he once was.

He's 10 now and getting older, so I've bumped up my expectations too. (I have visions of a not-too-happy-future-daughter-in-law asking herself why his mother never taught him how to pick up after himself.) He is expected to pick his room up every day and leave it tidy (and I use that very loosely --- his idea of tidy is not quite what most people would consider tidy). I've even instituted the rule, it must be tidy before he can head to the library to use the computers.

Every day seems to be the same pattern....it takes several attempts to even be passable. Most days it's frustrating for him and me....but he has to learn to pick up after himself and I keep telling myself he will...eventually.

The other day....I was simply elated when I went to inspect his room. Finally, a break through! Woohoo! You see, he had plans to go with his sister to the library (there are only three computers there and first come, first served so they strive to arrive early) and knew his room had to be done first. I was just so pleased when I entered his room.....the bed was made, the desk was fairly neat, there were no clothes or papers or markers or crayons or toys or half-finished creations etc. on the floor. It looked amazing!! I was so proud (of him and me.....for the patience on my part which had finally paid off). When he knew his room passed inspection, he quickly flew out the door.

About a half an hour after they'd left, still feeling pleased with our accomplishments, I headed downstairs to the family room. As I entered the room, I noticed three, large, green garbage bags. That feeling of elation was starting to be replaced with a sinking feeling. As I looked around the room, I noticed these bags looked as if someone had made half an attempt to hide them around the room --- one was sorta behind a chair, another under the table and the third hiding behind the door. Knowing that these bags were not there earlier and knowing that *I* had not placed them there.....caused that sinking feeling to get stronger.

Yep....you've probably guessed it by now......Jake had scooped everything off of his floor, desk, bed and placed it into the bags. Then, somehow, he managed to get all three of them downstairs without me or anyone else here, seeing. His plan worked too....bought him just enough time.

.....sigh......ingenuity he has.....bedroom-cleaning-skills.....still need work.

Mother's Day

Well another Mother's Day has come and gone.

I always struggle with this day and therefore have sad and happy thoughts about this day.

This day brings about sad thoughts for me as I think about my own mom. She is no longer with me and while it's getting easier as the years go by, I always find Mother's Day to be difficult. Lately, I've been trying to focus only on my good memories, rather than the fact that she is not here. It is helping, but I still do miss her.

Mother's Day brings lots of happy thoughts though as I celebrate it with my own children. I am glad to be their mother....not sure how good of a job I'm doing some days.....but am glad to be their mother just the same. They're good kids and I am truly blessed.

This year brought about new blessings too --- it was my first Mother's Day, on The Rock!

The kids and Larry usually go all out....and this year was no exception. It started with Jake waking me up with a 'HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM!!!". They then brought to me in bed, fresh strawberries, sprinkled with brown sugar (well as fresh as they can be when imported from somewhere far away) --- but they were good!

They were then prepared to make me bacon and eggs.....but I just didn't think I'd be able to eat that plus go out for lunch (my tummy was already acting up), so we skipped that. I opened their gifts while I enjoyed my coffee. As you can see from the picture above.....I got quite the haul. Chocolate bars, licorice, a t-shirt, a Newfoundland key chain, a 2008 quarter (from Jake ;0)) and gift certificates from Larry.

Then on top of all that, they all took me to Swiss Chalet for lunch. There, Swiss Chalet gave all the moms a carnation and card with some coupons for free food items, good at future visits. On top of that, we used our VIP card (a card given with a subscription to Downhome magazine which entitles the holder to discounts at participating places) and got 10% off our meal. So, it was a win win situation!

What a great day!

Three generations of us! (A tribute of sorts for Mother's Day)

My mom.....(click to enlarge pic)



Me.....(click to enlarge)



Brittney....(click to enlarge)




These are pictures taken of my mom, me and Brittney. We were all around the same age and I find it interesting to see the similarities in our looks. Actually, there are four generations, the other lady is my grandmother but unfortunately the original picture was not the best of quality. Technology certainly has came a long way!

Taking a Break from the Icebergs

OK....I know I've posted a lot about icebergs lately so thought I should take a break. (grin). I saw this posted on another blog I like to read and thought I'd play along.......


RANDOM BITS


Snagged this from Molytail :-)

Where is your cell phone?
Well...I don't really have one that I use. The one I have, has an Ontario number. Since we're not in Ontario any more and it would cost an arm and a leg to use it here, we simply don't use it. But....the phone itself is out in the van.


Your significant other?
Larry is at work.


Your hair?
Shoulder length and brown (and no....those two or three grey things in there are NOT grey hairs ;0))


Your mother?
Hmmm...I could write a book here. My mother is no longer living and has been gone 18.5 years now. Wow time flies. In some respects, it feels like just yesterday I saw and talked to her and at other times, it seems like an eternity. I miss her a lot...we were best friends! She was always there for me and I could count on her always. She always wanted grandchildren and never got to meet any of them (between my brother and I, she would now have five!) Mother's Day is coming up and I always have difficulty with that day. I hope I can be half the mom my mom was.


Your father?
He lives in Ontario with my step-mom, Marilyn. He enjoys fairly good health, is very active and very busy with his life and various activities. About five years ago, he made the transition from the family farm, where he was born and lived for 77 years, to an apartment in town. They travel a lot and spend every winter and Christmas in Florida (while the rest of us freeze here in Canada)


Your favorite thing?
My new laptop ;0)


Your dream last night?
Hmmmm...can't remember any dreams from last night.


Your favorite drink?
Ummm.....COFFEE!!!


Your dream/goal?
.....Need to think about this one.

Your ex?
I would think Ontario


Your fear?
Mice --- eek!

Where were you last night?
At home, talking on the phone.

What are you not?
Rich.

Muffins?
Mmmmmm....love all muffins!

One of your wish list items?
Health and Happiness

Where you grew up?
Port Perry, Ontario


The last thing you did?
Ate lunch.

What are you wearing?
Bluish/Purple Slush pants, T shirt

Your pets?
None, although I told the kids while everyone else talks about their pet cats or dogs etc., they can talk about their pet icebergs (lol)

Your life?
Good, most days.

Your mood?
....shrug....

Missing someone?
Yah....my mom

Your car?
2008 Pontiac Montana Van

Something you are not wearing?
A winter coat

Like someone?
Yep...like lotsa people

Your favorite color?
Die hard pink fan here----love pink! Red would be my next colour

When is the last time you laughed?
Hmmm...not sure

Who will re post this?
Not sure...but if you want to play.....go ahead and repost this.