College as a Parent

I have tried the college path before as an adult and as ready as I thought I was, I wasn't.  This time, I was encouraged and driven and so far, so good.
It has been hard though.  I decided to take a full load (13 hrs this semester) of all online classes.  I thought this was a brilliant idea, thought being the key word here.
I took all online classes so I could work at my own pace and work during non typical hours.  Non typical being between 10pm and 2am most days.
I quickly found out that this was quite difficult. I am exhausted by that part of the day, but with homeschooling the kids, housework and well...LIFE, this is when I have time. 
Beyond the countless number of times I have had to re-read things just to get my mind to absorb the information, you do not get any of the luxury of teacher lectures and those little tale-tale hints of what you REALLY need to know.  I spend hours upon hours reading the text books, while that is a great, if you don't find textbooks to be stimulating reading material, it is really difficult to make it through a few pages without wondering what person really thought all these bits and pieces of information would help you understand what they really meant.
I love it though.  I am doing well and thrilled that I have finally buckled down to get this stuff done.
I have also given my oldest son a word of advice, "Please go to college when you are young and have few responsibilities other than taking care of yourself.  It is much easier."
If you have completed college as parent or while working full time, part time and taking care of numerous other responsibilities, I applaud you.  It is hard, but so rewarding.

Superbowl

I am not a big football fan.  I am not a big sports fan for that matter. 
I like to watch unpaid athletes, of course I am often informed that unless they are 12 and younger, they are getting some form of remuneration; I refuse to believe those accusations.
I love a rousing game of high school football,  but watching grown adults run around a football field, smacking each other on the head or behind, well its not really my cup of tea.
So convince me why I should be spending my time watching these athletes?

Of course in 10 years if I happen to have a son out on that professional field, I WILL have a different attitude, but that is because anything healthy my kids are interested in will cause me to be 100% behind them and loving every minute of it.

Drug Testing for Government Aid

There are a good number of states now requiring mandatory drug testing for people to receive government aid.
I am not opposed to this stand, but it worries me.
This stand allows the government to step into our lives and tell us what we are worthy of receiving.
I hear the cry from the hardworking people stating they must take a drug test to get employment.  Well it is not the company requiring the drug test, it is the insurance provider of that company that does not want to take a risk on a drug user.  I understand completely, but for the hardworking citizens to claim they have to take a drug test in order to be employed is slightly incorrect.
This cry that I hear also comes with a preconceived notion of those receiving aid.  Most assume people receiving aid are lazy, wishing to just ride on the coat tails of those hardworking citizens.
There are probably an equal number of people receiving aid who wish they did not need that aid, as those who wish to ride the coat tails and be jobless.    You can not just speak to those who wish to be jobless, the words and actions of those making bold statements hurt and shame those who honestly need the assistance due to their situation.
I agree that government aid needs to be spent on what it should be spent on (food, housing, utilities, gas to seek employment or further education), but in taking away the right to aid for those that truly need it (children) is taking away security in knowing they will have a meal, heat, and a roof over their head.
I understand that many states will continue to send aid to a family member who will care for the child, but that means pulling the child away from a home environment that may not be as bad as those hardworking citizens assume.
I think it is a fine line. 
The government starts drug testing to ensure government aid is not being spent on drugs.  Well, then there is always the same aid being spent on alcohol, cigarettes, unneeded home decor, unneeded clothing, hair accessories, tattoos, cable....where does it stop???
How much do we let the government invade?

Change Of Plans

I barely started this blog, quite a while ago, and realized I didn't know what I wanted to blog about.
I am not a writer, never aspired to be. Well there were a few years there, as a young teen, when my best friend and I began writing a "story", but that's better left in her boxes and I am hoping that box got lost. I am not a writer. I write when I feel compelled and what I feel compelled to write about. So mostly I write recipes. Okay, I copy them down (hang head in shame).
So while pondering for over a year on what to blog about, I have decided to write about happenings and opinions and whatever hits me at the moment, that I find important or raise that almighty head scratching moment.
So here it is, my opinions, my passions, my life.

Linky giveaways

One of my favorite blogs in hosting a week full of giveaways!

Today you need to go over and sign up for the Navigating History giveaway.  Follow her rules and you will have a chance to win a subscription to Navigating History ($49.95 value).  Check out the website http://navigatinghistory.com/home you will be impressed!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Playdough

Why I haven't ever made my own playdough, I will never know.  I suppose it is because the only times my kids have been interested is when they have found a tub of the real thing laying around somewhere.
After my children got into some rather poorly made commercial playdough last night and spending hours cleaning up the mess (thanks mom for doing most of the work during clean up), I decided that something had to be done.
So I decided to make my own!
Super easy, super cool and so not messy!!!

I colored it with Kool-aid (thanks Kool-aid).

So if you haven't tried it..do it, even if you don't have kids...try it, it is fun!  You can make animals for yourself or put it in a plastic bag and give it to the kids on the block (they will appreicate you)!

Here it is:

1 c Flour
1/2 c Salt (I used table salt, not course so it would mix in well)
1 tsp Cream of Tartar
1 c Water
1 tbsp cooking Oil
1 Kool-aid package (any brand does work) or few drops of food coloring

Put all into heavy pan and onto stove on med high.  Stir all together and heat until the product pulls away from the sides or balls begin to form. 
Once the product is to the desired consistency, dump onto countertop and let cool.
When cool enough to handle, knead until smooth.
I then poured in the koolaid package and knead it into the dough.

Wah-lah!! 
Kids are loving it!!  Of course I double the initial ingredients, but still only added one package for the color. 

It is not messy, does not stick to anything and when you wash your hands the tidbits that are there, come right off.

Awesome stuff!!   I will never buy commercial playdough again!

Early Visitor

My mother arrived safe and sound today for her Thanksgiving visit.  I am grateful she is here and thankful to the Lord for bringing her here safetly.
We have had a great day, it lifts my heart when she is around.
Can't wait for the sun to arrive tomorrow so that we can have another blessed day!!