A Little About Purim

Purim is from sundown on February 27th until March 1st this year (it is based on the Jewish calendar). But what is Purim you wonder? I have often heard it referred to as Jewish Halloween but there is more to it than that. It is the celebration of Esther and God's saving of the Jewish people! We are to remember this every year (Esther 9:28):

These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews, nor should the memory of them die out among their descendants.

It is a celebration. So in my house we might let the kids dress up, make noise makers and crowns. I will (probably) make Hamantaschen. The big feature is the telling of the Esther story. The children (and adults) boo whenever Haman is mentioned and cheer at the mention of Mordechai. We might also print off pictures and do some other fun stuff (go to my Frugal Homeschooler for activities and resources).

As Christians why do we celebrate Purim? Well, I could get into the whole Jesus celebrated Judaism and so we should also keep the holidays (with grace because we aren't under the law). Or how when we excepted Christ we were grafted into the family of Abraham. But.... Here is a simpler reason. God was faithful in saving the Jews and because of that we have Messiah. So we need to celebrate God's faithfulness to us by saving the Jews from Haman's hand.

There are lots of lessons in the book Esther (like if Saul would have been obedient...) but that is for a different day. Let us start by rejoicing in God's faithfulness! And the fact He uses a willing and obedient heart to do great things, like save a people.

Healthcare Summit Sink Hole?

From everything I hear about yesterday's Health Care Summit it was boring. I mean really boring. I have only read a couple of pieces but I saw a lot of Twitter statuses fly by. Suffice it to say, not much was actually done and those who were there should receive an award for not going postal (I am talking about all you press, not the government types;).

But was there really anything done? Well, in the way of getting something passed or passable. No, not really. But I think in the net gain the Republicans/people against Obama's bill did well. From the Tweets and the some of the articles it seems that the Republicans were able to really show some of the holes in the health care bill. Now I am not saying that America no longer wants any health care relief (though I think the Fed's should just butt out completely) but I do think they don't want what has been put forth already. I also think the American people realize that the people in the Summit may not be the people to design anything in this realm at all.

I am curious to see what happens next but on the whole I think we are going to sink more time and effort into discussing the Health care issues than actually doing anything about it. So just stop now and hand control over to the people. And I mean all the control. Like portable insurance and an honest to goodness free market.

Who Says Math Isn't Romantic?

This has been bouncing around for quite a while and I find it adorable. Now I admit that I don't get it all but imagine how much sweeter it might be for those who do?

I have a friend who is currently getting a PhD in Math so I wonder...Is this how he woo'ed his wife;)?

And We Have Hair Do's!!!!

You know how there are some little girls that look so cute on Sunday (or any) mornings? Their hair is perfectly done with just the cutest styles? Well, I missed the mommy gene that gives me the natural ability to do my little girls' hair. Frankly, I really can't do my own;). I was afraid that it would take for ever and would just lead to huge fights but I was tired of them always looking like little ragamuffins.

So you can imagine how excited I was to find a website that could walk me through step by step a cute hairstyle for my girls! Babes in Hairland had this cute up do so I collected my water bottle, comb, and rubber bands and then set to it!




As you can tell, I did both of them basically the same. It isn't quite a cute as the website's but the girls' are cute so that works. It is also so much better than how their hair is normally done;). I have yet to try any of their other hairstyles (like even a French Braid) but I am going to bask in this one just a little longer! It is the little things, right?

Cuffs for Doodles

Writing on your desk is wrong! It is very wrong! But should a kid be arrested for it? Well, a 12 year old in New York was arrested for it. Along with some other children who were accused of putting stickers on the wall. I understand that there is a need to punish for graffiti but isn't this taking it a bit far? This is all in the name of zero tolerance.

Now I am not a stranger to seeing zero tolerance in effect. Being raised with in the Clovis Unified system here in Central California I got to see it from the front row. I remember being in high school and watching a kid get hit and then get suspended for pushing the aggressor to the ground. I remember a girl being threatened with expulsion for giving a friend Tylenol and it being "drugs" (even thought the school could take you to get an abortion). I even remember a kindergartener being suspended because his hair was to long.

So what do you think of zero tolerance. I guess abstractly the line has to be drawn somewhere but cuffing and arresting a 12 year for writing "I love my friends Abby and Faith. Lex was here 2/1/10 :)" seems to be going a little far.

In Honor...

In honor of the one year anniversary of the Recovery Act I give you this.

Did I mention that it is also called Porkulous;).

Political Tidbits: Twittering and Cougars

Just a couple of interesting things on the political horizon. Not a lot to analyze but interesting all the same.

Apparently there are rumblings that John Cougar Mellencamp may end up running for Senator Bayh's seat. I don't know if this will happen of it the Democratic party in Indiana is just trying to get publicity.

Then, at an appearance yesterday Sarah Palin put her foot in it.

When asked what she felt the greatest threat to America is currently, audience members in the crowd piped up with cries of “Obama!” According to CBS, Palin was quick to respond with, “See, they said that, I didn’t. Just you watch now, too, because somebody will be here with their little Twittering thing, and it’s going to be on the Internet any minute now.”

Those at Mashable took this as a swing at Twitter but I don't really think it was. I think it was a swing at those people who tweet things that aren't necessarily true just to cause a problem. Sarah Palin seems to be very comfortable partaking in different social medias so I don't think she is writing Twitter off.

So what do you all think?

Be a World Changing Family!

Today at MOPS we had an awesome speaker who spoke on being a world changing family. Shelley was awesome. Not only did she talk about some great ways to change the world with our kids (Operation Christmas Child, making sandwiches to give to the homeless, etc) she also brought treats!!! She made the adorable cookies herself!!!

But is it hard to be a world changing family, especially with younger kids? I don't think so. The focus is to teach them to be generous and to care for others starting at a young age. The best way I can see to change the world is to show it God's love. So start involving your kids (or start serving someone yourself) in showing love to others and that alone will change the world.

I think of the joy my kiddos have gotten putting change in the Salvation Army buckets. Or helping me take food to a family with a sick mom or a family that just had a baby. I love the idea of just making bagged lunches and handing them out to people who need them. I don't know where you live but around here we seem to have people begging on every corner. You can also do canned food drives, collect change for your local Pregnancy Care Center or just about anything. Just do something no matter how small.

It isn't hard but it is intentional.

That was a word that Shelley used a lot, intentional. This doesn't just happen but you have to do it. Shelley had a great idea we might start doing. She has a friend that takes all of her kids' artwork down to the convalescent home. I might have to start doing that. Between church and what the kids just make at home, we are swimming in the stuff. To think it might brighten someone else's day and not have to go in the recycle bin (at least so soon) makes me happy.

So what do you do with you kids to make them World Changers?

Pray for Shelley and her family! They are a world changing family in a big way. They have sold their house and will be moving their family down to Colombia to preach God's Word. They are not already in the ministry (her hubby is a teacher) and their kids are young (4 girls ages 10-6). So this isn't convenient but they were called by the Lord. So I ask you all to keep them in your prayers!

Updated: I was asked why I would consider this a WFMW. I can say that for many years I was looking for ways to help my kids serve others. I think there are some really good ideas on how to get your kids active in showing generosity and love to others!

Budget Freeze?

This is done by the same people who did the 10,000 penny video. It does all make it seem a little pointless.

(HT: Why Homeschool)

The Debt Limit

I think this is a pretty simple telling. It really lays it out there for everyone to understand. This is almost the School House Rock version without the music.

(HT: Why Homeschool)

Why School Choice?

Cause Government Monopolies are bad!

I think this really hits the nail on the head! BTW, is it just me or does our presenter seem really young;)? Maybe I am just getting really old!

(HT: Hot Air)

Unlicensed Contractors

Bethany Clough over at the Beehive has a list of unlicensed contractors who are operating in the Fresno area that you should on the look out for. She also links to some other articles that are talking about the clamp down on unlicensed contractors. Now I am not saying that people without licenses are bad but you need to be aware because it has other ramifications. Ramifications on your insurance and their ability to be insured to cover their mistakes.

Wordless Wednesday: Great Investment

This is one of my best investments in joy. I got these slippers on a super clearance and then stuck them in NerdPie's stocking.

Demon Sheep

So this is the scandalous commercial against Tom Campbell in the Republican primary for Senate. Going into viewing the commercial I thought that no matter what that I would support whom ever runs against Barbara Boxer. Now I am not sure.

I find the commercial ridiculous and stupid. But it is the primary and things get dirty within the party. But a few things hit me. Like why would Fiorina grasp at such obvious straws instead of doing a real piece? Well, when you are the person who ran a stable, work horse company like HP into the ground...You gotta knock somebody out by the knees in order to really be able to pose as the stable one.

Then there was the tag line. "Carly for California" What? Are you a high school cheerleader? You are a grown woman running for the Senate. Come on. And kudos to you, Campbell for making hay out of this!

More of a Reason to Use Facebook

So I have heard many people grouse about Facebook. That it is a time sucker and is bad for people to people relationships. Well, get on Facebook and spend lots of time there. Why you ask? To speak out for Western civilization against radical Islam;).

A top Egyptian cleric has issued a fatwa against Facebook. Apparently it is to be blamed for an increased divorce rate. What do you think?

(HT: About.com World News)

A Shocking Mix Up

Now I must preface this with the fact I can't stand Jerry Tarkanian as a coach or any part of a University. I was mad when Fresno State hired him so maybe that prejudices me against Danny Tarkanian but....

How could you confuse Harry Reid and Ronald Reagan? In the clip Tarkanian refers to Reagan's renowned 11th Commandment. When I saw this posted I was sure that if Tarkanian did it, it was a one time slip. Well, watch the tape. Tarkanian says Reid instead of Reagan repeatedly.

If this is representative of Tarkanian as a candidate....Well, as much as I dislike Harry Reid I dislike the idea of an idiot Republican more. I would rather let everyone see someone bad in the seat and know that he is a Democrat!

(HT: The Hill)

For Today (2/8) From NerdMom's Daybook

Outside my window I am not sure if we are done with the rain yet but a mom can dream;).
I am thinking about organizing my house and getting rid of some clutter. Who knows when or if it will ever happen but I am thinking about it.
I am thankful for all those in my life that love me!
From the learning rooms Kinderbach and some history!
From the kitchen I am making a big pork shoulder roast for the first time. (update: I have made pork roasts before but this is one of those huge shoulders that is over 10 pounds. This is something I have never done;)
I am wearing the standard for Mondays: Sweats and a 3/4 sleeve shirt
I am creating not much unfortunately.
I am hoping that I will be blogging much more! Especially on NerdFamily Food!
I am hearing a little bit of everything. NerdDad made a huge MP3 cd.
Around the house I hope to tidy up and organize a new coupon organizer.
One of my favorite things is the Torani Orange syrup that Smart and Final is once again carrying!!!!!
A few plans for the rest of the week: hopefully a meeting tomorrow (if Stephanie doesn't have to go for jury duty) and a girls night with my best friend Sara on Friday!

Safe Edible Glass?

Spray on Glass, yes spray on glass. There is a liquid breathable glass that they can spray on surfaces. You can spray it on surfaces to keep them new but the big arena is in food. You could spray it on food and then it would keep out bacteria. Veggies wouldn't mold so you don't have to worry about spoilage. Due to the fact it is only 100 nanometers thin it is totally edible. Science is amazing isn't it?

So would you eat food with it on it? Even though it is edible I think it might be a mental block for me.

Proving the Greatness of Socialized Medicine

So socialized medicine is supposed to be great right? I mean don't we all want what Canada has? Everyone can have great treatment and it will just be taken out of your check... Well, it isn't good enough for Canadian Premier Williams. He needs heart surgery and is going to travel over the border to avail himself of America's great health system. I have heard about this for years. That the wealthy in Canada (and frankly even the not so wealthy) will come to the US to have medical procedures done either due to our better quality or the expediency. So maybe all those who desire what Canada has should actual see what Canadians with a choice do.

I thought a commenter over at Instapundit had an interesting question. If Obamacare passes how will the Canadian healthcare system survive?

Starting to Homeschool: Academics

I was recently asked by a reader (Johnny) where he should curriculum wise with his 7th grader that he is going to start homeschooling. I don't have a ton of experience homeschooling older kids but I do have some recommendations.

My number 1 recommendation is to involve the kid!!! By junior high they want and need some ownership in order to learn responsibility and to get excited about it!

Make a list of what subjects you want to cover as far as interest and as far as high school goals. One example: if you want to hit calculus you need to start algebra by 8th grade. I have a friend whose kid wants to be a missionary so I would recommend Biblical Hebrew. Or art maybe something they have a passion for so encourage that.

I would prepare for the fact that no matter how well you research curriculum that it may not work for your kid. It is ok to sell or trash something just because they don't like it or it doesn't work well for your student. That is why I recommend looking at a friend's copy, download sample pages (CBD shows many inside pages for books), or buying it used!

I also recommend that you be real with yourself. Don't start looking at curriculum based on where your kids "should" be but where they are. If you buy something to advanced remember that you can hold onto it for when they get there. Don't freak and don't pressure them. Learning is a journey not a destination (how corny is that;).

I would also use the junior high years as a time to start looking forward to high school. There will need to be more record keeping to get your kid into college so now is a good time to start thinking about it.

So now to the real question... curriculum. Since this reader told me they are in California and I can specifically recommend that they attend the CHEA conference, which is coming up quickly. CHEA gives a free day to all first time homeschoolers so use it! But I recommend conferences no matter where you are. They all have many curriculum booths so you can touch and look at everything.

I personally am a big Singapore math fan but I don't know anyone who has used them with older kids. But I have heard great things about Teaching Textbook for older kids. One of the nice things is that you don't have to actually do the teaching. They also have their own placement tests. I have also heard great things about Bob Jones satellite classes for older kids.

As far as history and social sciences go I recommend the real book mentality. Find a point, event or arena in history that interests you or your student and get books on it. You could go with something as broad as California history or specific things like Thomas Edison (that covers real science too;) or World Ward II. Then just have them do a project, paper, presentation or something on it. Depending on your kid they may want to do an art piece. I personally loved writing research papers (yes, I am a dork;). But something that shows they are getting it. You may just get them 1 book from the library and it may spark a year of study to find out more about it.

I also have the same mentality on reading. Pull up any reading list (from people you agree with versus nuts;) and start working through the books. You can also pair your literature with your history. Study Elizabeth I for history then read Shakespeare. Greek history and the Odessy.

The most important this is to enjoy the ride!!! So for those of you with experience in this age range: what specific curriculum do recommend for a junior high student?

A Declaration

NerdDad found this. I don't think he has heard the original song it is a take off of (which I like) so I will have to show him that video;). I have never heard of these people before but I already love them! I think this will be a great way to get the kiddo's memorizing the Declaration!!!

Condolences

Rep George Radanovich's wife, Ethie Weaver Radaovich, has passed away. My sympathy and prayers go out to Representative Radanovich, his son and all those who knew and loved her.

But now I have a question... Ethie and her battle with cancer was the prime reason that Rep Radanovich was not seeking another term in the House of Representatives. Is this effect what he is doing next? Can he/will he jump back into the race? Will he run for something a bit more local? Not to be callus but, is her passing so early in the campaign season a game changer?

A Little Link Love

I have been reading some great things around the blogosphere and wanted to share!

The Anchoress wrote a good piece on Lady Gaga for NPR: Monsters, Inc.? The Lady Gaga and Madonna Parade

Brainz has a piece on 15 Ways Science Will Kill Us All (it is funny, just laugh)

On the political front, there is a Database that you can search to see what kind of donations zip codes are doing for gubernatorial candidates in California.

Heart of the Matter has a great piece that has some great resources about Haiti and how to pray for it in Praying and Learning About Haiti.

Home Hilarity

Since we are now living without the satellite we are exploring our many free online options. We have recently discovered that all of Scarecrow and Mrs. King is online over at Slashcontrol.com. Scarecrow and Mrs. King was a favorite of mine as a kid and a teenager. I had a little thing for Scarecrow. The funny part is I always wanted to be Laura Ingalls and marry Scarecrow. Then Laura Ingalls (Melissa Gilbert) married Scarecrow (Bruce Boxleitner). But I digress...

To start with it isn't as dorky to watch as I was afraid it was going to be. And the kids love it. We are about 7 episodes into the series right now. At the end of the last episode Scarecrow got shot. We decided that we were going to watch another episode during dinner. NerdPie express how she hoped he was going to be all healed by this next episode. To which NerdDad said how he was sure that Scarecrow would be fine...he heals quick, like Wolverine.

It really tickled me (yes, I am a dork). But it tickled me even more that the kids didn't even blink at the statement because they knew exactly what NerdDad meant by that;).

Tea Anyone?

I didn't watch the State of the Union. Yes, I know that I am a bad American;). But between the internet and chatter on the street I wasn't worried about missing to much. But there was something I did miss (until NerdDad mentioned it and then I saw it on the Daily Show;). Speaker Pelosi had a silver tea set in front of her during the speech. I find that odd. Very odd. Now for many, many of my childhood and early adult years I watched the State of the Union and I don't recall ever seeing a silver tea set in front of anyone. N

Now frankly I had always been paying attention to the speech and the Presidents so did I just not notice? Is she that pretentious that she needs a special tea set instead of a glass of water like the Vice President? What is the deal?

For Today (2/1) From NerdMom's Daybook

I am thinking about many things I want to blog on but haven't gotten around to.
I am thankful for the last couple of days of sunshine.
From the learning rooms we are going to do some math drills and learn about converting fractions to decimals (I know, we are wild).
From the kitchen I am doing a big bunch of freezer cooking.
I am wearing sweats and a t-shirt.
I am creating Valentine's Day cards (I hope).
I am going to do a bunch of grocery shopping and the library this morning.
I am hoping to get stuff done!
I am hearing Celtic Thunder.
Around the house I will need to spend a lot of time cleaning the kitchen after all my cooking!
A few plans for the rest of the week: MOPS!

(For more Daybooks go check out The Simple Woman's Daybook)