(again!)  I knew this week was going to be busy and I probably wouldn't have time to do any memes.  That's ok, I guess.  I DID get to see the Jonas Brothers, after all.  And Ian DID get his teeth fixed and came through his surgery OK.  Those are the important things, right?!

But now, I'm playing catch-up, and it's going to be easy......

Jocelyn wants to know about our Homeschool Routines for the Homeschool Memoirs meme this week.  I saw the theme earlier this week and thought "that will be easy for me this week" because, well, we don't have a routine!   I see other people listing routines on their blogs, down to the hour, or increments of an hour.  I'm a fairly organized person (hey, I had a hand in The Schoolhouse Planner, after all) - I like making lists and creating forms, etc. But, I do NOT enjoy planning my day down to the minute.  It's just not me.  Plus, I can't stand when something gets thrown in to mess up my plans, and God-forbid I have to use white-out or something.   

 So, for me, it's so much easier for our school day to be flexible - my girls are late-to-rise and aren't very productive 'til later morning.  Having a todder boy in the house makes for some interesting homeschool days and requires a great deal of flexibility on both my part and the parts of the girls as well.  If we get all our schoolwork, some housework, my TOS work, and supper all done in a day, we feel we've really accomplished something!   So, you see, my routine isn't too exciting and may or may not be the kind of routine you want to incorporate in your home.  It works for us, so it just might work for you too!  You never know!

And as for The Heart of the Matter's Friday meme......

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to everyone who said a prayer for Ian this morning!
His surgery went well.
it took about 1 1/2 hours~
he got caps on all 4 bottom molars~
and had cavities fixed on all 4 top molars
and  between his front 2 teeth (on the back).

We are blessed to have a wonderful pediatric dentist.
Today, however, we also had a nice anesthesiologist
(who is the father of 4 children),
and a nice nurse who has a son named Ian also.
All the staff at the surgery center was very accomodating.

We did come home to a sick Gracie~
so if you wouldn't mind transferring your prayers to her
this evening, it would be much appreciated!

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Don't you just love our new Destination Disney graphic?  I do!  It was designed just for us by my friend Christi.  If you like it, you can stop by her blog and say "thanks!"  If you'd like to display it on your blog or website, please do!  I'm having problems with the scroll box on my sidebar, so please feel free to e-mail me for the code. 

Now, for this week's topic.......Please share your "COOL" photo(s) with us.  I'm not going to tell you what "cool" means - it is up to you to interpret it.  I'm hoping to get lots of entries this week and have lots of blogs to visit.  (I'll be at the hospital with Ian - as he's having dental surgery.  I will share my photo(s) when I return home).

Don't forget to sign the Mr. Linky with a direct link to your Destination Disney post.  Be sure to stop in and visit the other participants - make a new friend today!

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I just wanted to take some time (while I've  got a free minute or two) and update you on  few things.....

First of all, the girls and I made it to the Jonas Brothers concert on Tuesday night.  I was NOT the oldest person there!  LOL  Despite the fact that I hated the opening act (The Veronicas) and I thought Demi Lovato did more screaming than singing, I really have to say that I enjoyed the Jonas Brothers.  This may be sad, but it's true -  I found myself singing along to all the songs!    I've said it before - I love music!  And I'm glad (and proud) to know that I've also instilled a love of music in each of my girls.  If you'd like a more thorough concert report (along with pics of the JoBros), be sure to check out Ashley's blog.  Just to hold you over, though, here's a picture of the 3 of us, waiting for the concert to start:

In other news.....I took Ian to the family doctor this morning.  He has been coughing a lot this week and his nose is running.  I called the dentist yesterday and they told me that the anesthesiologist might cancel the surgery if he sees that Ian is congested.  I hated the thought of putting off the surgery any longer (because he is experiencing so much pain with his teeth); but, on the other hand, I would never want to do anything to put Ian in danger (if I can help it).  So, we had him checked out.  His doctor said that his chest is clear, so she encouraged us to go ahead with the surgery.

He has to be at the surgery center at 8am tomorrow morning.  Please join us in prayer for him.  Here are some suggested things to be praying for:

• That he will be pain-free leading up to the surgery
• That he will not have any adverse effects from the anesthesia (we know nothing of his family history, so this makes me nervous)
• That his cold will not affect the surgery in any way
• He is not allowed anything to eat or drink after midnight tonight - Ian is a major drinker, so this will probably not go over too well with him in the morning
• Pray for his recovery - to be quick and painless
• Pray for us, as we will be waiting and worried about our baby
  
  Thanks so much!  I'll update tomorrow, as soon as I can!
  
  

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That question reminds me of a Truth or Dare game......TRUTH - "Where you a cheerleader?"  I don't know why, but I'm always kind of ashamed to admit that I was a cheerleader.  Maybe it's because I expect people not to believe me when I saw it. Or maybe it's because I think that admitting that I was a cheerleader is basically like admitting that I have a big mouth!    OK, so maybe I do!  LOL

I attended a private Christian school who never had cheerleaders.  So, my ninth grade year, we decided to be trendsetters and start our own cheerleading squad.  We found a great, fresh-out-of-college, girl to be our coach, and we had such fun getting started.  Being that we were a Christian school, choosing our Cheerleading Apparel was a big deal - we had to be careful to choose something that was modest; yet, at the same time, us girls wanted something that would look cute, as well. 

Nowadays, when I attend sporting events at local area high schools, I am amazed at the Cheerleading Uniforms that they girls wear - they are often short, skimpy, and way too tight, and I have to wonder how they even move around in them.  Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I think that the more modest outfits actually look much nicer.

I still have my old cheerleading outfit in the attic - Ashley actually wore it a few years ago for Halloween.  It still looks pretty cute!  One thing I don't have anymore are my saddle shoes!  Remember them?!  I wish I had saved them, just so I could show my girls - I think they'd get a good laugh out of it!  These days, Cheerleading Shoes are so much cuter, and are basically a sneaker (which looks so much more comfy than those stiff old saddle shoes).

So, confession time - were YOU a cheerleader?  If so, please let me know I'm not alone!  And, just for fun, share your favorite cheer!

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We live in a small town, and I grew up in a small town.  I remember the days of leaving the house and not worrying about locking doors.  Everyone knew everyone and the community was a fairly safe place and generally free of any type of crime.  Even in the earlier years of my marriage, we often left our doors unlocked on our house when we ran out to run errands.

Boy, how times have changed over the years!  Nowadays, I would never consider leaving my house with a door unlocked, and I'm seeing the need for Security Systems.  Crime rates, even in small towns, have definitely gone up over the last several years.  No longer do I hear the news and think, "that would never happen where I live," because, let's face it, you can never be too sure.

So, I'm wondering, do you have Home Security installed on your home?  I found a website where you can buy anything related to Home Security Systems.  This site is not only for dealers (though they are welcome), but also for do-it-yourself homeowners (who will appreciate the free phone, e-mail, and forum technical support that is available on this site).  It is some scary times in which we live, and my philosophy is that it's much better to be safe than sorry.  If you have not previously considered installing a security system, now might be just the time!

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A few weeks ago, I talked about beds, and Ashley's new (hopefully) bedroom in the attic.  In searching for furniture (not necessarily to buy, but to dream about!), I came across a website with some very neat looking beds.  Now, I am only wishing that I lived in the UK, where this store is located, because I would totally be buying myself a new bed from them!  These beds are beautiful and trendy, and remind me of the bedroom sets I ooh & aah over at IKEA.  The Europeans definitely have a flair for furniture that we don't have here in the states. 

I don't particularly need a new bed; but if I did, I'd definitely be buying one like this - I'm not normally attracted to metal bed frames, but I think it's just so elegant.  Normally, I would go for wooden beds, which somehow seem more practical.  If I had to choose, I'd definitely buy this loft-style bed for Ian, who has a very small room and could use this space-saver.  Any little pricess would be thrilled with this bed - fit for royalty, for sure.

Yes, I'm dreaming, as I'm not planning a trip to the UK anytime soon.  But, if you happen to live there, I'd highly recommend checking out these great beds, and maybe even buying one (or two) for yourself.  If you do, please shaer pictures!

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We had a wonderful church service this morning.  Each year, on the last Sunday of August, we have our church service outside - usually at the local park.  This morning, we had our service in our church's new pavilion.  It was very nice - the weather was just perfect for being outside.  Afterwards, we had a carry-in meal. There is always SO MUCH yummy food at those things! 

We have a busy week coming up, so while I'm enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon at home, I thought I'd check in quickly as I have no idea if I'll have much time for blogging this coming week.  Tomorrow, Labor Day, we'll be picnicking with my family at my parents' house.  We're going to keep the food rather simple and just enjoy each other's company.

Tuesday is the BIG DAY - the days the girls have been counting down to for the past few months.  Tuesday is the day that the girls and I go to the JONAS BROTHERS CONCERT!  I put that in caps for the benefit of my girls who are jumping up and down with excitement.  Me?  I'm wondering if 38 is too old for a JoBros concert?!  We shall see..... Actually, living in a house with girls, I must admit that their music has grown on me.  I'm a music lover anyway and enjoy a variety of music.  I do understand their love for the Jonas Brothers - I was a teen when the New Kids on the Block were big stuff.  Remember them?!  LOL  They're making a comeback and Ashley doesn't understand why they haven't changed their name to Old Guys on the Block.  She's got a point - I tend to agree!

Friday is Ian's scheduled dental surgery.  We won't find out on Thursday what time the surgery is set for, but we're told that, becuase of his age, he should be in the early morning.  I hope so.  This poor little guy has been holding his cheeks and saying "teeth hurt" for weeks now.  My mother's heart just breaks for him.  Yesterday he started running a bit of a fever, and was up with it again during the night.  Please stand in prayer with me that this sickness is VERY short-lived, as they won't be able to do the surgery if he is sick. 

I'll update as I can.  Have a great week!

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I'm so behind this week!  That blog template mix-up really threw me for a loop.  Though I still haven't gotten to the bottom of the problem, I have seemed to manage to get my sidebar back into some semblence of order.  It will do for now.  I need to find something else to focus on, so.....

This week's Homeschool Memoirs topic is to share our homeschool agendas/plans for this coming school year.  Last week, I shared our intended curriculum.  So, this week, I'll just share a bit about what we hope to accomplish this year.

This is Ashley's first year as a high school student (9th grade), so I've really been focusing on learning more about high school credits and transcripts.  I have gleaned information from Janice Campbell, having attended one of her seminars at our homeschool convention last year.  I've been reading her blog and she had a great essay in The Schoolhouse Planner.  Also, lucky person that I am, I have the inside scoop on the Fall issue of TOS.  If you, too, have first time high school students, or if you've had a high schooler for a few years and you're still not quite sure what your responsibilities are, then you will LOVE the upcoming issue!  It is filled with great resources for homeschooling parents just like you and me.  I got a sneak peek and have been pleasantly surprised and very well-informed.

Another goal for this year is to become a bit more serious about foreign language.  Ashley got a 1/4 credit in American Sign Language last year and she absolutely loved it.  I'd like to find a place closer to home where she could continue with her sign language lessons.  However, we have also decided to add Latin to our homeschool this year.  So, just the other day, both girls started their Latin lessons, and I think we're really going to enjoy it.  I took 2 years of N.T. Greek in high school and I think I can groove right into the Latin conjugations, etc. 

Ashley will also be working toward a Child Development credit, as we have been blessed by being able to spend some quality time with our dear friends' baby girl.  We are going to track hours and I'm going to have Ashley do some reading, researching, and writing on the topic to fulfill this requirement for credit.

And another thing we'd like to incorporate is finding a group to join - one in which we feel that we can fit in.  Our local group has just never appealed to any of us, for various reasons.  I've been looking into a group in a neighboring county, and am liking the prospect of some connections for all of us this school year. 

So, those are just some of our goals and things we hope to stick with and accomplish.  I'm sure there are many more, but these are the things that immediately come to mind.

*Thanks to all of you who took the time to visit my blog last week and leave a comment.  I have  been so swamped with trying to get our school year off the ground, running a household and keeping after a toddler, and keeping up with my expanding work load (I love my job!) that I just don't have a lot of extra time to visit blogs.  But, I do so love meeting new people and making new friends! 

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The other day, while adding my wonderful new Destination Disney graphic that my wonderful friend Christi designed for me, I had a major blog "issue".  If you've been by to visit and noticed that my right-hand sidebar isn't all there, then you know what I'm talking about. 

After a few back-and-forth e-mails with support, it seems there's nothing they can do. SO, my most recent blog back-up was way back in November 2007 (shame on me!)  I've put back a few things, but still have LOTS of work to do and no time to do it in.  Blogging should be a leisurely activity, not a stressful one, right?

So, hopefully over the next few days and weeks, I'll be able to get my sidebar back to the way it is.  Truth be told, though, I don't even remember what all was in there.  So, if you're reading my blog, and it should contain a button or link to YOUR blog, please leave me a note and let me know!  I'd love you for it!

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