How homeschoolers measure up

Embed this infographic on your site!<a href="http://www.topmastersineducation.com/homeschooled/"><img src="http://www.topmastersineducation.com/homeschooled/homeschool.jpg" alt="Homeschooled: How American Homeschoolers Measure Up" width="500" border="0" /></a><br />Source: <a href="http://www.topmastersineducation.com">TopMastersInEducation.com</a>

HOMESCHOOLED: HOW AMERICAN HOMESCHOOLERS MEASURE UP

Once upon a time, all children were homeschooled. But around 150 years ago states started making public school mandatory and homeschooling eventually became illegal. It wasn't until the 90's that all states made it legal again. Today, with more than 2 million homeschoolers making up 4% of the school-aged population, it's the fastest growing form of education in the country.

HOMESCHOOL HISTORY

• 1840: 55% of children attended primary school while the rest were educated in the home or by tutors.
• 1852: The "Common School" model became popular and Massachusetts became the first state to pass compulsory attendance law. Once compulsory attendance laws became effective, America eventually relied entirely on public and private schools for educating children. Homeschooling then became something only practiced by extremely rural families, and within Amish communities.
• 1870: All states had free primary schools.
• 1900: 34 states had compulsory attendance laws.
• 1910: 72% of children attended primary school.
• 1960: Educational reformers started questioning public schooling's methods and results.
• 1977: "Growing Without Schooling" magazine was published, marking a shift from trying to reform public education to abandoning it.
• 1980: Homeschooling was illegal in 30 states.
• 1983: Changes in tax law forced many Christian Schools to close which led to soaring homeschooling rates.
• 1993: Homeschooling become legal in all 50 states and saw annual growth rates of 15-20%.

Today:
32 states and Washington D.C. offer Virtual Public Schools - free education over the internet to homeschooling families: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia (DC), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
4 States offer tax credits for homeschooling families: Iowa, Arizona, Minnesota, Illinois.
10 States don't require notification of homeschooling: Alaska, Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut.
14 States require notification of homeschooling: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Delaware.
20 States and D.C. require notification of homeschooling, test scores and/or professional evaluation of students: Washington, Oregon, Colorado, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, New Hampshire, Maine, D.C., Hawaii.
6 States require notification of homeschooling, test scores and/or professional evaluation of students; plus other requirements like curriculum approval, parent qualification, home visits by state officials: North Dakota, Pensilvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rode Island.
No Federal help is available to homeschooling families yet. The IRS says that homeschooling costs "are nondeductible personal, living, or family expenses."

HOMESCHOOL GROWTH

Home schooling is the fastest growing form of education in the country.

• 1999: 850,000 homeschoolers (1.7% of the school-aged population)
• 2003: 1.1 million homeschoolers (2.2% of the school-aged population)
• 2007: 1.5 million homeschoolers (2.9% of the school-aged population)
• 2010: 2.04 million homeschoolers (4% of the school-aged population)
• From 2007- 2009 home-schoolers increased ate a rate of 7%/year
• From 2007- 2009 public-schoolers increased at a rate of 1%/year

HOMESCHOOL PARENTS

Education Level of Homeschooling Parents (Fathers/Mothers)

• No High School Degree: 1.4% / 0.5%
• High School Degree: 8.4% / 7.5%
• Some College: 15.4% / 18.7%
• Associate's Degree: 8.6% / 10.8%
• Bachelor's Degree: 37.6% / 48.4%
• Master's Degree: 20% / 11.6%
• Doctorate Degree: 8.7% / 2.5%

Number of children in homeschooled families:

• 1 child: 6.6%
• 2 children: 25.3%
• 3 children: 26%
• 4-6 children: 35.9%
• 7+ children: 6.3%

Most important reasons parents say they homeschool their kids (students, ages 5-17, 2007):

• 36 %: To provide religious or moral instruction
• 21 % : Concern about the environment of other schools: safety, drugs, and negative peer pressure
• 17 %: Dissatisfaction with academic instruction at other schools
• 14 %: Unique Family Situation such as time, finances, travel, and distances
• 7 %: Nontraditional approach to child's education
• 4 %: Child has other special needs
• 2%: Child has a physical or mental health problem

HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS

Standardized achievement tests: On average, homeschoolers rank in at the 87th percentile. (Note: The 87th percentile is not the test score. It is the percent of students that scored lower... so, only 13% of students scored higher.)

• Boys: 87th
• Girls: 88th
• Reading: 89th
• Language: 84th
• Math: 84th
• Science: 86th
• Social Studies: 84th
• Core: 88th
• Parents income <$35,000: 85th
• Parents income $35,000-$70,000: 86th
• Parents income >$70,000: 89th
• Parents spend <$600/child/year: 86th
• Parents spend >$600/child/year: 89th
• Neither parent has a college degree: 83rd
• Either parent has a college degree: 86th
• Both parents have college degrees: 90th
• Neither parent has a teaching certificate: 87th
• Either Parent has a teaching certificate: 88th

Grade Placement compared to public schools:

• Behind: 5.4%
• On track: 69.8%
• Ahead: 24.5%

WHEN THEY GROW UP

Homeschooled Adults' Perception of Homeschooling
"I'm glad that I was homeschooled"

• Strongly Agree: 75.8%
• Agree: 19.4%
• Neither: 2.8%
• Disagree: 1.4%
• Strongly Disagree: 0.6%

"Homeschool gave me an advantage as an adult"

• Strongly Agree: 66.0%
• Agree: 26.4%
• Neither: 5.7%
• Disagree: 1.5%
• Strongly Disagree: 0.4%

"Homeschool limited my educational opportunities"

• Strongly Agree: 1.0%
• Agree: 4.2%
• Neither: 6.6%
• Disagree: 29.2%
• Strongly Disagree: 58.9%

"Homeschool limited my career choices"

• Strongly Agree: 0.9%
• Agree: 1.2%
• Neither: 3.9%
• Disagree: 18.8%
• Strongly Disagree: 75.3%

"I would homeschool my own children"

• Strongly Agree: 54.8%
• Agree: 27.3%
• Neither: 13.5%
• Disagree: 2.8%
• Strongly Disagree: 1.6%

Homeschooled / General Population

• Participate in an ongoing community service activity (71% / 37%)
• Consider politics and government too complicated to understand (4.2% / 35%)
• Read a book in the past six months? (98.5% / 69%)
• Continue on to college (74% / 49%)

"Taken all together, how would you say things are these days--would you say that you are ..."

• Very happy (58.9% / 27.6)
• Pretty happy (39.1% / 63%)
• Not too happy (2% / 9.4)

HOMESCHOOL COST

Average homeschool family spends $500/child/year.
The average public school spends $9,963 per child per year, not including capital expenditures or research and development.

Sources

http://www.synergyfield.com/homeschooling_parent/homeschooling/a-brief-history-of-american-homeschoolin/
http://www.education.com/reference/article/home-schooling1/
http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/christian-education/homeschool/homeschool-history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_education_in_the_United_States
http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/home-schooling/
http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009030.pdf
http://www.hslda.org/docs/study/ray2009/2009_Ray_StudyFINAL.pdf
http://www.hslda.org/docs/media/2009/200908100.asp
http://epaa.asu.edu/ojs/article/view/543/666
http://www.nheri.org/HomeschoolPopulationReport2010.pdf
http://blogs.christianpost.com/bright-ideas/home-schooling-state-laws-infographic-11302/
http://www.hslda.org/research/ray2003/HomeschoolingGrowsUp.pdf
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2903485/posts
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/advice/20041109a2.asp
http://www.hslda.org/earlyyears/Costs.asp
http://www.homeeddirectory.com/articles/1_feb10
http://www.k12.com/schools-programs/online-public-schools#.UfATehZdU6o
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/our-schools/availability.aspx

Senior Scams

Tuesday August 20:  Something scary happened tonight.  I went to my mom and grandmothers house to help my mom out.  I am not there more than just a few minutes when my mom starts telling me about a phone call my grandmother got.  Apparently my 'brother' is in 'Germany' and got into a 'car accident' and then got 'arrested' for having 'pot' in his car.  He is now in 'jail' and needs 1700 to get out.

First of all, my brother is NOT in Germany.  He wouldn't leave the country without calling.  This got my grandmother panicky and she called my mom at work.  My mom got on the phone with my brother immediately and found out that this is NOT true.

Go back to last week.  I don't remember the details, mostly because I didn't think much of it at the time, but I answered my grandmothers phone and some man (not boy) was asking for 'grandma'.  It was not any of my kids.  It was not my brother.  Like I said - I didn't think anything of it.  Maybe a wrong number, maybe a confused person.  Whatever.  I never thought about it again, until tonight. 

Well, mom said this has been going on a while.  I have gotten the same thing via email - from my pastor, his wife (diff countries and dates, go figure), from my best friend.....  I delete it and tell the sender that their email was hacked.  No BD.  Well, this is WAY diff in my book. 

After doing very little research I found the same scam and how they probably got my brothers name.  Just Google "Grandma phone scam."  There are a lot of results - all on the same one I have been talking about.

http://foxnewsinsider.com/2013/05/28/what-grandparents-phone-scam

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/fraud-5-scams-aimed-at-the-elderly-1.aspx

http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/economic-security-Initiative/savvy-saving-seniors/top-10-scams-targeting.html

http://rivertowns.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/police-recent-resurgence-of-grandma-phone-scam

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2012/June/Help-Me-Grandma-Wait-This-Is-a-Scam/

Ok, so now you get the picture.  Don't let grandma answer the phone.  We will see how well that works!  haha.

I unfortunately don't have an answer on how to fix this - although I wish I did. 

Number one - KEEP PERSONAL INFO OFF FACEBOOK - this should be a no-brainer, but it causes problems for people every day

Number two - BEWARE - keep in contact with family and know where they are.  Even a quick text so they know you are ok.

Any other advice?



UPDATE - 8/21/13

I was at my grandmothers this morning (this is the next day!) and she got another call.  I had just got finished telling her not to answer any call she doesn't know, and the phone rings. 
The young man said "Hi grandma (may have been grandpa) guess who this is"  this time she knows.  
She says "I don't know, who is this?" 
He says "It's one of your favorite grandsons"

First of all  - we don't call her grandma
Second - how many grandsons does he think she has?!

The call went on for a minute and I convinced her to deceive the caller, then hang up.  Just wish she wouldn't have answered at all.  We will have that conversation - again, and again.


UPDATE - 3/8/14

This time I get the call.  My son answers (I don't usually answer unknown numbers on my cell.  I also don't like to talk and drive (he is 15 and watching extra close).  My son answers and said it sounds like grandma.  He was confused because grandmas number would come up on caller id.  I take the phone (NEVER talk and drive!) and say hello.  The caller calls me by name and says "This is your grandma"  Again, we don't call my grandmother 'grandma.'  I didn't listen or argue, but once I figured out what was going on I simply hung up.  This is getting frustrating!

DIY Bathroom lights

 My house is getting older.  It's still in good shape, but there are a few places that could use some help.  I was at home depot not too long back and saw these really cool $40 kits to remake bathroom light - just like the ones I have.  I cant find them again.  In a state of  'boredom' I decided I was going to experiment.  With nothing more than a can of black spray paint this is what I did.

 

Already had this on hand - never know when you will need black spray paint 

The lights before.  The bathroom isn't huge so having all 4 lights shining is overwhelming - I have all 4 bulbs installed - just 1 shining at a time.  It's hard to see, but there is some rust starting to form on the silver plate behind the bulbs.  Doesn't look bad from a distance - but I am picky....

After taking the bulbs out I found out that the round piece that holds the bulbs pulls right off!  How simple!

This is what I was left with when the bulbs, light bulb holder in place thingy and silver plate were removed.

A little spray paint - OUTSIDE - and after an hour it was ready to be installed.

Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes to do this for 3 bathrooms.  I would like to try a different color next time.  Not bad for a quick afternoon 'pick me up'

Dragon cake

I found this fantastic cake on Pinterest.   My son saw it a few days before his birthday and decided that this is what he wanted for his birthday cake.  The only problem - no directions!  I like to think I am pretty crafty and can figure things out, so I tried.  Learn from my experience.

I used a store bought angel food cake.  Cut it in half so it is half as thick.  Then cut the cake in half so you have two letter "C's". 

UPDATE - this was way too thick for a strawberry shortcake.  When you cut the cake by the thickness, do it in thirds or even fourths. 

Stack the pieces and form a 'snake'. 

UPDATE - it came out so cute!  Now I want to make other shapes for the girls - a rainbow, flower, peace sign.....

Take off the top layer and put on a layer of whipping cream.  I used a cookie press - just to make it look pretty - and cool whip

After the cool whip is done on the bottom layer, slice strawberries and layer them on the cake.  I used my moms strawberry slicer, but if you use a knife just slice the berries very thin.

Then so the same to the top layer of cake (this could be done with ANY cake!  oh the possibilities!)

Then I took a full (really pretty berry) and used  it as the head

I used a knife to make a teeny tiny slit for the eyes and 'tongue'.  I took a leaf from one of the berries and put it in a slit for the tongue and small pieces of leaf for the eyes. I would have used candy eyes, but I left them at home.

  

 Since it was a birthday cake we then put in candles.  It looked like a Chinese dragon when the lights were out and the candles were lit.  My son loved it.

UPDATE:  This needs to be assembled the day OF the party so the cool whip doesn't soak through the cake.  I made it about an hour before dinner and everything was yummy after dinner.    As previously mentioned, cut the cake thin so you have a good ratio of cool whip, strawberries and cake.  I cut it way too thick and ended up putting more whipping cream and strawberries on everyone's slice.

Satan's Favorite Bible Verse

Wow!  One more reason to read the verses before and after the one you are memorizing, and to understand what you are reading!  I love this.  I did not write any of it.  It was all found at  biblebelievers.com  I don't know what I was looking for, but God knew....

Acts 2:38  

Satan's Favorite Bible Verse

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38) The above verse of scripture is a favorite among many religious groups. One can hear it several times on Sunday morning radio programs, as well as from the pulpits of numerous groups, and it can be found in much religious literature. The verse is a favorite because, on the surface, it seemingly states that one must be baptized in order to be saved, and without baptism one is not saved. So, those who believe that water baptism is essential for salvation make it a regular habit of using Acts 2:38 as scriptural support. The problem is that Acts 2:38 isn't the only verse in the Bible which deals with salvation. While many claim to "speak where the scriptures speak and remain silent where the scriptures are silent," they practically ignore most of the New Testament teaching on salvation. The only verses that such false teachers quote and reference are the ones they feel they can use to promote their "water gospel." The fact is that most of what the New Testament says about salvation doesn't include baptism at all! (John 5:24, John 11:25-26, John 14:6, Romans 4:5, Romans 10:9-13, Eph. 2:8-9, etc.), and the few places that do mention water baptism do not include it as part of one's salvation. Water baptism follows salvation as one of the first steps of obedience for the new believer. In spite of this obvious truth, the cultists remain steadfast in their heresy, insisting that Acts 2:38 sets forth water baptism as a requirement for salvation. Thus, this verse of scripture has become Satan's favorite Bible verse. In fact, many are trusting water baptism alone for the salvation of their souls! Indeed, Satan has deceived multitudes by his perversion of Acts 2:38. Rather than ignore Acts 2:38 by quoting "our favorite verses" instead, it is more appropriate to facethis popular verse of scripture and see if the cultists are right in what they claim it teaches. The Truth about Acts 2:38 First, please notice that verse 38 isn't the only verse in Acts 2. In Peter's message, a great deal was said before verse 38 came out of his mouth. In fact, he even told his listeners how to be saved before verse 38! In Acts 2:21, Peter quotes from Joel 2 and says, "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." His words preceding verse 38 were so convicting that his listeners were "pricked in their heart" in verse 37. So, to use verse 38 out of its context causes a misrepresentation of God's word. The verse does not stand alone, and, in fact, a totally different meaning is conveyed when one makes it stand alone. Another error that many make with Acts 2:38 is the error of assumption. It is assumed that the word "for" must mean "in order to get." That is, being baptized "for" the remission of sins supposedly means to be baptized "in order to get" remission of sins. However, a closer look at the scriptures will reveal that this isn't the case at all. Notice Luke 5:12-14: "And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them." Jesus made this man clean in verse 13, yet in the next verse, verse 14, Jesus tells him to go offer a sacrifice "for thy cleansing" as a "testimony." Here the word "for" cannot mean "in order to get" because he had already gotten his cleansing in verse 13! It obviously meant "because of" his cleansing. If a man goes to jail "for stealing," then he goes there "because of" the stealing that he's already done, not "in order to get" a chance to steal again. Some like to argue that the Greek word "eis" means "in order to," but this isn't always the case. Jesus said in Matthew 12:41, "The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at (eis) the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here." The Greek word for "at" is "eis." Does this mean that the men of Nineveh repented "in order to get" the preaching of Jonah? No, they repented "because of" the preaching of Jonah. So, even "the Greek" doesn't demand the popular interpretation of Acts 2:38. The word "for" can be used different ways, not just one, so it is wrong to assume that it must mean "in order to get" in Acts 2:38. Another factor which is commonly ignored is the JEWISH factor. Every person in Acts 2 is a Mosaic law observing Old Testament Jew. In fact, they are all gathered together to observe a JEWISH FEAST called Pentecost (verse 1). A fair reading of the whole chapter (especially verses 4, 14, and 36) will clearly reveal that no Gentiles (non Jews) are present. Since this involves Jews, it involves a NATION (verse 36!!), not individuals. No one asked, "What must I do to be saved?" The question asked concerned the NATION of Israel: "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (verse 37) Not, "What shall I do," but rather, "What shall WE do?" Acts 2 presents a NATION of people who come to realize that they have murdered their blessed Messiah and they're asking what THEY must do. It's a question concerning NATIONAL salvation. Isaiah 66:8 says, ". . . shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children." The "nation" is Israel! Romans 11:26 says, "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob." Acts 2:38 is dealing with NATIONAL salvation. The Messianic Kingdom is still available to the Jews (until Acts 7:60 when they kill Stephen), so national salvation remains an issue until then. This is clear from what follows Acts 7. In Acts 8, an individual from Africa is saved (before baptism). In Acts 9, an individual from Asia is saved (before baptism). In Acts 10, an individual from Europe is saved (before baptism). Why didn't these individual conversions occur before Acts 7? Because the first seven chapter of Acts deal with Israel (1:6-8; 2:36; 3:12; 4:8-10; 5:31; 6:7-14; 7:1-60). The question of INDIVIDUAL salvation is asked and answered in Acts 16:30-31: ". . . Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Those who fail to make this distinction are guilty of violating II Timothy 2:15 where we are told to RIGHTLY DIVIDE the word of truth. The Bible says the gospel is to go to the Jew FIRST (Rom. 1:16), so they are the FIRST to receive the gospel in the book of Acts (chapter 2), but they are not the last to receive it. Acts doesn't end with chapter 2, so we should be cautious of anyone who develops their doctrine in Acts 2 while practically ignoring the next 26 chapters!  If God didn't stop in Acts 2, then why does anyone else? Could it be that the later chapters in Acts contain information which the cultists want hidden from us? Could it be that there are other scriptures in Acts which do not agree with the wording of Acts 2:38? Could it be that Peter himself, the one preaching in Acts 2:38, says something different when speaking to individual Gentiles like you and me? One only has to read Acts chapter 10 to get the answer. Peter is preaching again in Acts 10, except only to individual Gentiles, and something very interesting occurs. In Acts 2:38, the Holy Ghost was promised to be given to the converts AFTER they were baptized, yet in Acts 10:44 the Holy Ghost falls upon the Gentiles BEFORE they are baptized! Now, Paul tells us in Romans 8:9, " . . .if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Having God's Spirit is synonymous with belonging to God or being saved (John 3:6-8), so the Gentiles in Acts 10 were saved BEFORE they were baptized in water. Why don't the Acts 2:38 cultists ever point this out? Answer: It destroys their perverted doctrine that water baptism is essential for salvation. The fact is that Acts 2:38 is NOT the "model" plan of salvation, nor are any of the other "water verses" which the cultists use. Only by taking such verses out of their context can one teach such heresy. All of the Bible is true, not just the favorite "proof texts" of the cults. Baptism saves no one. It only serves as a testimonial picture of the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ AFTER one has believed on Christ (Acts 8:36-38). Paul said in I Corinthians 1:17 that ". . . Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect."  This "gospel" is defined by Paul in I Corinthians 15:1-4, and it does NOT include water baptism. The dying thief was not baptized, yet Jesus saved him (Luke 23:42-43), and John wrote that we are washed in the BLOOD of Christ (Rev. 1:5), not in the water. In fact, the saints in Heaven claim to have gotten there by the blood of Jesus (Rev. 5:9), not by water. By faith in the blood of Jesus Christ one is saved (Rom. 3:25). Water baptism only follows this faith as an outward step of obedience. Friend, if you have fallen for the water gospel, why not repent of your sin and trust Jesus Christ alone? Acts 10:43 says, "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." Why not believe on Christ 100% right now and quit trusting something you DO for salvation? "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom. 5:1) Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."  Romans 10:9-13 says,"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Why not right now?

Copyright © 2000 James L. Melton

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Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

Dog-sicles

I have big dogs.  One is an Akita.  He has a LOT of fur.  Summer time in Houston is miserable for him.  We adopted him, otherwise I think it is unfair to have a dog like that this far south.  He loves ice cream.  Problem is, I know dairy is not good for dogs, neither is sugar.  We also know that all three of the dogs like popsicles.  Who doesn't like popsicles when it's 100 degrees outside?

We bought some 'sugar-free' popsicles on sale at Kroger - but I don't particularly like buying that kind of stuff.  For $1.00 for a box of 24 - I'm sold!  Then I had a great idea for the dogs....







After boiling a chicken (or any meat) save the juice.

Put that juice in a popsicle mold (ice cube tray)

Instant puppy treat.  They love it!   I even left a few pieces of meat in there for them :)

When are you working on your Bible work?

I often hear (adults) say, "I don't have time to memorize the Bible."  In most cases, time is limited. As a mom I stay busy running 3 kids to music lessons, scouts, sports, Awana, church, friends houses, classes and to visit grandma. Our kids are also very busy. They don't have the free time of our parents generations.

 

However, God commands that we meditate and memorize His Words (Joshua 1:8, 2 timothy 2:15). Just keep the study time consistent and manageable.

 

From about fourth grade up, much reviewing for students can be done on their own in just a few minutes a day.

 

Think about when you have a few minutes.

In the shower (use a laminated card in the shower)
While brushing your teeth (use a dry erase marker on the mirror)
As soon as you wake up (try 5-10 min)
As soon as you lay down for the night (5-10 min as you lay down for the night)
In traffic (you can't cheat and look at the paper!  Have the kids quiz you, or each other)
At meal times
While cooking
While folding laundry (turn the TV off and work on learning Gods Word while matching socks)

 

I just found at least an hour a day for you!  Why not use that time to focus on God?

Chewy No Bake Granola Bars

Ingredients

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

• 1 cup rolled oats                                                                     
• 1 cup steel-cut oats                                                                     
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal                                                                     
• 1/2 cup chopped mixed dried fruit                                                                     
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds  
• 1/4 cup butter                                                                     
• 1/2 cup brown sugar                                                                     
• 1/4 cup honey                                                                     
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract                                                                     
•  1/2 cup mini chocolate chips                                                                     

Directions

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix rolled oats, steel-cut oats, rice cereal, dried fruit, and almonds together in a large bowl.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add brown sugar, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk until sugar is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Pour over oat mixture; stir to combine.
4. Spread oat mixture into prepared baking dish. Press chocolate chips into top. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

• PREP 10 mins
• COOK 5 mins
• READY IN 1 hr15 mins

 

I found this recipe at Allrecipes.com one afternoon before leaving on a mission trip.  When you have 3 growing children and a 6 hour drive, you need something to keep them filled to prevent melt downs.

 

This is a great 'base' recipe.  First of all, I used what I had on hand.  I used all regular quick cooking (store brand) oatmeal, along with store brand crispy rice cereal (obviously I don't care about name brands!)  With the fruit I added more than 1/2 cup.  I didn't measure, but it was probably closer to 1 1/2-2 cups.  I mixed raises, dried apple, dried cranberry and dried blueberry.  Instead of almonds, I used sunflower seeds.  I also left out the chocolate chips (going to be a hot drive!)  In the couple of times I have made this, I have changed up the ingredients a bit - just because I don't want to get bored with it.  Everyone loves it every time.

 

I have noticed with the South Texas heat that these yummy granola bars 'melt'.  My solution - wrap them in foil (easy to grab and go) and store them in the freezer.  The big kids love them icy cold.  They may be hard for a younger child to eat this way (just store in the fridge maybe)

 

Enjoy!

 

 

Honoring our heroes

On the 4th of July we spend a lot of time honoring our fallen heroes.  Don't get me wrong, I think this is great.  What better way to celebrate our freedom than honoring those that help defend it?!  But, why do we wait until they are gone to honor them?  I know, I know there are parades and small ceremonies at events, but are they really honored at these?  It seems to me like they are recognized, but we don't spend much time thinking about what they have given.   What do YOU do to honor them?

 

 
There are several groups that do this every day.  If you Google "support our troops"  you will get over 27,000,000 hits.  Not all of them are credible organizations - so beware.  Wounded Warrior project is one of many that helps those who have been injured. I love what they do and how involved they are in every part of the soldiers lives when they come home.

 

Any soldier has volunteer Soldier "contacts" on the "Where To Send" page. They list what the folks they represent want and need. Click through the names and YOU select who YOU wish to support, then YOU send direct to them.  They have a unique search capability so you can easily identify what the troops need, who you wish to support, etc.

 

 Millions of times each year at hundreds of locations around the world, the USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families.  A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities. The USO is not part of the U.S. government, but is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and President of the United States, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the USO.

 

 

So, I ask again - what do you do?

 

When you see a soldier, how do you react?  Do you say anything? Do you do anything?  Do you pray for them immediately (not necessarily out loud with them, but at least quietly right then and there before you forget)?  Do you, in any way support them at least once a month?

 

I am not a soldier - I have a strong military heritage, as does my husband.  Hubby was a Marine and my son wants to be in the Air Force.  Any time we see a soldier out to eat, we immediately pay for his meal.  One time that meant that we didn't eat out (we waited until we got home - it was just jack in the box, it was ok :). 

 

We live right by an Air Force base, so it is not uncommon to see soldiers in the stores, banks, and restaurants.  I don't salute, I'm not a soldier, but I always like to be extra nice to them.  I have no idea what they are going through today.  I don't know if they just got back from another country.  I always try to thank them.  Nothing embarrassing, just respectful.  It's the least I can do.  I want to pay my respects now while these heroes walk among us, not at a memorial service. 

 

What do you do?

Smores Pancakes

Is there a better way to start off the 4th of July than with S'mores pancakes?   Well, if there is.... I haven't found it yet!

I cannot take any credit for this recipe.  After months of looking and debating, I tried this recipe this morning and we ALL fell in love with it.  I love the simplicity of everything and the ooey gooeyness of the yummyness (I think I am still on a sugar high!).  I will give you fair warning - they are very filling and very tempting.  I was able to get my kids to do anything I asked as long as I was cooking them.  But then again, what kid can resist the idea of S'mores for breakfast!?

I didn't play with the recipe, but followed it exactly.  I found it at We are not Martha. com, and will probably look at that blog a lot more in the coming months ;)

S’mores Pancakes
Marshmallow fluff:
• 2 egg whites• 1 C corn syrup• 1/4 t salt• 1 1/2 C powdered sugar• 1 T vanilla• 1/4 t cream of tartar



In the bowl of a standing mixture beat together the egg whites, corn syrup, and salt on high speed for 4-5 minutes until it thickens quite a bit. Your mixture will have started clear, but after beating, it will turn bright white… like fluff!


Now, simply mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream of tartar on low speed, until combined.
See? Easy. And it looks exactly like what you’d buy in the store.



You can make this ahead of time and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fine in your fridge for about 10 days and if you’re making it for these pancakes, you’ll have a couple cups extra, for lots of peanut butter and fluff sandwiches. Or just plain fluff on everything.

Next, I started making the graham cracker pancakes. Which are basically the same as regular pancakes, but with graham cracker crumbs.

Graham Cracker Pancakes:
• 1 C flour• 1 T sugar• 1 T baking powder • 1/2 t salt• 3/4 C graham cracker crumbs (about 8 crackers)• 1 egg, beaten• 2 T butter, melted• 1 1/4 C milk (I used light vanilla soy, but any kind should do)


Take about 8 graham crackers, put them in a plastic bag, and whack them with something like a meat tenderizer, until they’re in fine crumbs.



Now, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and graham cracker crumbs until well combined.



Add whisked egg, melted butter, and milk into the flour mixture and mix until blended.



Heat a griddle or pan at medium heat and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Pour a couple tablespoons of batter onto the griddle and let cook about a minute on each side.


T
hey’ll be pretty light and fluffy, thought the graham crackers give them a little extra denseness.



And well, if you’re going to make s’mores (in any form) you need chocolate. I made a super simple sauce with a Hershey’s bar because if you’re making s’mores, you need to use Hershey’s chocolate.

Chocolate topping:

• 1 bar Hershey’s Milk Chocolate



Just break the chocolate up and put the chocolate in a double broiler (or in a saucepan over another saucepan of boiling water) and stir it until melted.



Really, my photos aren’t all that pretty. And I probably should have made these pancakes a second time before posting about them. But, to be honest, these pancakes are a once a year sort of meal. As tasty as they were, they’re as decadent as anything and after eating a plate-full, the pancakes and I need a little time apart. I think they understand

You can arrange these any way you want. I started by spreading the marshmallow fluff on the top of one pancake.



Then I put the second pancake on top.



I put a little chocolate sauce on top of that.

Family Disaster Plan

Living anywhere on Earth, you have to be prepared for a natural disaster.  Fortunately, in Houston we do not have tidal waves, tsunamis, earthquakes, or tornadoes.  Most of the disaster that happen are fires, floods, and hurricanes.  Not saying I would prefer one over the other, but at least with floods and hurricanes you get a bit of time to prepare.

I have previously posted about having a hurricane kit, but what about writing down your plan, updating it, and making sure that your entire family knows the plan. 

Along the journey of adoption, we are supposed to do just this.  Where do you start?  I have an easy start for you.  The American Red Cross already has a pdf to get you started.

Also, try Ready Set Go kits.  Not only will you find a plan for your family,  you will also find one for your pets.  You can also find info on how to turn off your gas, water, electricity, ideas on how to teach kids to PROPERLY call 9-1-1, and much, much more.

Even if you are not on the journey to adoption, this is something that could help keep the calm and maybe save a life.

Memory Review

When passages are learned, you have established a good basis upon which to help build the rest of the memory structure. However, the remaining portion is just as important as the original learning foundation.

To assure proper and adequate review, make out a schedule of learning and review that will tell you, every time you have 'class,' just what will be learned and what portions will be reviewed.

Since forgetting sets in almost immediately after learning, the sooner a passage can be reviewed after the original learning of it, the better. Therefore, what has been learned should be reviewed once or more times each day for many days after originally learning it. After all, why memorize if you are just going to forget it in a month?

 

In planning your memory schedule, divide the class time into two or three sections, depending on the ability of the children. If you feel the children are capable, new material can be learned each day. This could be the first part of the class. The second part could be daily reviews - reviewing portions learned over the past several days. The third part could be reviewing material learned earlier in the year or in previous years. This time could also be used for testing.

 

If you only have time to split into two sections you do not need to learn new passages every day. In the first part of the class, you can alternate learning new material with the review of "older" passages. As the second part, have tour daily reviews.

 

Whatever plan you use, your overall emphasis should not be only learning new passages, but the solid retention of older ones.

Homeschooling and prepping for college - Part 1

Preparing for college is stressful for any parent. 

First of all, you are admitting that your baby is growing up. Second, you are admitting you are old enough to have a college age kid.

Third, there is SO much to think about!

 

If you have a child in elementary school, start looking.  If you are dealing with a jr high student - you're running out of time.  Get busy!  If you are like me and have a high schooler (freshman here) HURRY UP!  With my son being the oldest ad my 'guinea pig' I am learning a lot. I know that there is no reason to re-invent the wheel, and I don't want to.  I am not the first home school mom to send a child off to college.  There is so much more information available now than when I was in high school looking for college info.  That many years ago (not admitting how many!) we didn't even have internet at home!

 

Step 1:  What are you (your child) interested in?

Step 2: What scholarships are available?  Is there something you     should get your child interested in? 

Step 3: What obscure scholarships are available?  Is there something you and your child could become interested in?  (ie golf - do you know how many golf scholarships there are?!)

Step 4: apply apply apply

 

Since we homeschool, there are even more opportunities, I believe, to get involved and get qualified for scholarships.  In public school you are limited to what is offered, and what activities you can participate in outside of school.  Being homeschooled, your school day/year can revolve around those activities.  For instance; my son is a boy scout. Don't get me started on the changes to scouting - that's a whole other convo.  There are more than 100 merit badges he can work on.  As a freshman he took Literature, Biology, Geometry, and History/Geography.  His electives were art and chess.  Two possible merit badges he could earn are..... art and chess.  Next year he will take chemistry.  Again, there is a merit badge for that.  I could focus his entire h.s. curriculum around boy scout merit badges and he wouldn't miss a thing!  There are fun adventure badges too; camping, hiking, canoeing, engineering, entrepreneurship, life saving, shotgun shooting, archery....  The list is never ending. 

 

While we know LOTS of boys in public school who are scouts, I just fully believe that because we can make the time, my son has more opportunities to work on those merit badges - which lead to scholarships.

Along with scouts, there is CAP, canoeing classes, 4H, music lessons, art lessons, private lessons for baseball, college prep math, English and science.... Not just one or two, but all day everyday we do all these things. 

I know a lot of people who can argue home vs public school.  It is a personal choice.  The point is Apply now!

 

 

 

Hurricane Season

Living as close to the coast as I do, the beginning of hurricane season means that it is time to get my supply kit together again.  I unpack it at the end of the season (and I am positive that there is no threat) and use what was in it. 

In the last few weeks there have been several natural disasters and a lot of talk on cnn about disaster clean up from the last year.  I do not want to be on the news - ever because I was unprepared.  I have always lived in this area and hurricanes are part of the life.  I missed Ike, but got hit during Rita.  Besides being prepared, I know that with my babies, without a doubt, I would evacuate. 

We evacuated during Rita and I have no regrets.  I will do it again.  We know of a few places in Dallas and San Antonio that we could go.  Problem is, during Rita (as a city we all learned a lot during Rita) if you don't leave early enough there is a lot of traffic and hotels fill up quickly.  We know of a few other places to go that are either west or further north.  You have to have a back up plan.  We always have a plan B.  and a plan c,d,e,f,g..... for everything.  So, even though we plan to evacuate, you have to have a box of supplies ready to go in an instant.

At all times in my truck I keep:

• jumper cables
• first aid kits (always need to be kept re-supplied)
• toys (small tote, just in case)
• suit case with a spare full change of clothes for everyone (changes with each season)
• box with swim gear (swim suits, sunblock, towels, goggles, etc)
• Bottles of water
• Small box with car chargers for the game boy, kindle, cell phone, etc
• Picnic basket with plates, forks, spoons, cups
• Blankets

Obviously I drive a large suburban (with a cargo topper on top!)  Now that I need my hurricane kit as well, I will get a few totes and put the following supplies ready to grab in a hurry.  The key is to get the boxes ready, but not so heavy that I cannot pick them up by my self.

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities  - in the drawer.  Also, the knowledge to turn everything off!  You may be surprised at the number of people (women's especially) who do not know this.

Water, 8+ gallons

Food, granola bars, microwaveable meals (stuff that doesn't need to be refrigerated), cans of ravioli, cans of fruit etc

Flashlight and extra batteries

Whistle to signal for help

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Manual can opener for food

Local maps - you cannot guarantee that the gps will work

Inverter or solar charger for my cell phone, it won't ever hold a charge for long.  I have my car charger, but you can never be over prepared.

Dog food and bowls

leashes

$100 in cash (or more) for gas, hotel, and more food

I dread having to evacuate, but I would hate to have to evacuate and not be ready.  If I never need this stuff, it gives us some junk food for the pantry for the winter :)