tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58986722012-02-23T12:01:29.708-08:00HomeschoolmumI have been homeschooling my children for 12 years. I am really happy that we made this choice. Other parents often ask me about homeschooling, and it seems to be something lots of parents are considering for their own children. This blog is for those parents. It contains not only my philosophy about education, but practical tips for everyday homeschooling. I've also added some resources I recommend to others. I hope this blog helps you!Janenoreply@blogger.comBlogger2481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-14605349641726190512012-02-23T11:53:00.002-08:002012-02-23T12:01:29.714-08:00I thought I'd mention this cute site - The Learning Curve. It's a family site about their homeschooling experiences. Positive and cute!search..... Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-48789854873609082042012-02-07T12:06:00.000-08:002012-02-07T13:02:08.154-08:00If you're looking at taking a vacation, I do recommend you visit Portugal. It's beautiful!Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-2187454358767618072009-07-28T06:45:00.000-07:002009-07-28T06:47:04.662-07:00The kids have been making videos and sharing them in YouTube - mostly animations, which are really fun for them. They involve storytelling, voice acting, and of course lots of drawing.Here are some cool tutorials:http://www.kidzdom.com/tutorials/search..... Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-25851710739837419642008-06-07T12:02:00.000-07:002008-06-07T12:11:56.560-07:00Read what some children are doing to promote human rights in their own areas and throughout the world:Human Rights, Washington D.C.Slave-free ProductsHalloween for HungerStop the SlaughterNon-profit sites that promote human rightssearch..... Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-56344525653370461472008-05-25T06:35:00.000-07:002008-05-25T07:03:57.079-07:00Subway restaurant discriminates against homeschooled children.Homeschooling families may be welcomed to spend their money at Subway - but their children are denied access to their contest.The website for the "Every Sandwich Tells a Story" contest states:Contest is open only to legal US residents, over the age of 18 with children in either elementary, private or parochial schools that serve gradesJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-54607219998918954202008-05-01T16:35:00.000-07:002008-05-01T16:55:56.986-07:00Here is an interesting website about Scientology families. This consists of resources for Scientologists and those interested in learning more about how Scientology can be used to help you in your family life and in raising children.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-48099607397306911282008-03-02T13:29:00.000-08:002008-03-02T13:30:07.612-08:00Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-89687082512538594662008-02-24T14:22:00.001-08:002008-02-24T14:23:41.045-08:00Ron Paul addresses a group of home schoolers.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-16456547061861534782008-02-22T10:57:00.000-08:002008-02-22T10:59:30.681-08:00Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-76364432060901462612008-02-19T08:56:00.000-08:002008-02-19T08:57:44.499-08:00I love sites that really tell it like it is.Millions of kids are miserable in school, and think it's all their own fault, that something is "weird" with them.This site tells it like it is:Why school sucks.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-24972339068198263122008-01-28T12:46:00.000-08:002008-01-28T12:48:29.741-08:00A group of youth in Washington D.C. are expressing their concerns about human rights in their area and around the world. I think it's just wonderful when young people lead by example and work to bring about effective, positive change.Human Rights - D.C.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-24574417404027800072007-09-27T09:41:00.000-07:002007-09-27T09:48:11.089-07:00Woo hoo!U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken has upheld the Bill of Rights, and shot down part of the "Patriot Act" (what a misnomer! It should have been called the Denial of Constitutional Rights Act!)Brandon Mayfield, an attorney, sued when his rights were violated.What a true hero this woman is, and the man who sued, as well.The FBI misidentified a fingerprint during investigations into the Madrid Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-85871364494932340132007-09-26T11:38:00.000-07:002007-09-26T12:18:24.465-07:00WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. health regulators warned Hain Celestial Group Inc about a potentially unsafe herb in some of its herbal teas, saying it might be dangerous to blood sugar, reproductive, cardiovascular and renal systems.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent a letter to Hain dated August 17 calling the herb, a natural sweetener made from a South American herb called stevia, "an Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-58491267670717850532007-09-23T09:47:00.000-07:002007-09-23T09:48:00.236-07:00I love Michael's, the craft store.We found these great little wooden toys - cars, boats, tractors, airplanes - made of unfinished wood.The kids are painting them today. It's very cute and so much fun for them to decorate their own toys!Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-11594866394737153132007-09-22T07:46:00.000-07:002007-09-22T08:57:59.460-07:00September 20, 2007Dear friend, Our American way of life is under attack. And it is up to us to save it.The world's elites are busy forming a North American Union. If they succeed, as they were in forming the European Union, the good ol' USA will only be a memory. We cannot let that happen.The UN wants to confiscate our firearms and impose a global tax. The UN elites want to control the oceans Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-87493843025756225522007-09-19T15:28:00.000-07:002007-09-19T15:30:39.571-07:00Awesome new tool for making a free profile page in a social networking site - Pagii!This is a great, easy way to make your own page. I think it's fairly secure for teens, as well, as you have to have an account to see any sites.Very simple to make, too!Let me know if you make one, and I'll add you as my friend.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-89884404709492256132007-09-17T09:29:00.000-07:002007-09-17T09:31:21.131-07:00The kids have discovered Webkinz, which is sort of like Neopets, but a little cooler. They can only get an account if they buy a little Webkinz pet from a store - they are cute, funny little plushies. Instead of made-up animals, though, they are gorillas, cats, frogs, etc.They aren't too expensive, but it means they don't get the ads that come with Neopets. I think it's pretty cool!Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-10992707893205339602007-09-13T11:15:00.000-07:002007-09-13T11:16:54.304-07:00Looking for good resources for Middle Ages homeschooling materials - if you can recommend any, I'd love to hear about it!We're using the Medieval Times Thematic Unit, but would like to supplement- projects would be especially useful!Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-4736752103600760902007-09-12T09:47:00.000-07:002007-09-12T09:50:45.831-07:00Ok, so I read that another Applebees served a toddler a margarita instead of apple juice in his sippy cup -http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19252488/I guess their policy is that tequila is ok for toddlers, but breastmilk is out of the question?um.. ok!Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-85641165407394871812007-09-06T14:14:00.001-07:002007-09-06T14:14:52.275-07:00Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-29566277203844194482007-09-06T13:32:00.000-07:002007-09-06T13:35:08.021-07:00Join the nurse-in at Applebee'sA manager at an Applebee's in Kentucky harassed a nursing mother in June. There will be breastfeeding mothers participating in nurse-ins all around the country on Saturday - http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/bwb_lactivist/If you are a nursing mother, please join us!Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-31841732990349395512007-09-03T13:50:00.000-07:002007-09-03T13:51:04.288-07:00From Congressman Dan Burton:Parental consent for mental health screens I am a co-sponsor of the Parental Consent Act of 2007(H.R. 2387) which seeks to essentially prohibit any student mental health screening program that allows mental health screening of individuals under 18 years of age without the express, written, voluntary, informed consent of the parent or legal guardian of the individual Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-53787710109737521132007-08-27T11:56:00.001-07:002007-08-27T11:56:48.768-07:00Sharpies are non-toxic.They happen to make very nice designs on skin, so I'm just going to say that I'm really glad to know they are non-toxic.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-31450534325937684912007-08-23T08:32:00.000-07:002007-08-23T08:34:33.738-07:00When I was a new homeschooler, finding other homeschooling mothers to talk to was very helpful.Here are some interesting discussion resources:http://www.sepschool.orghttp://www.ivillage.comhttp://www.freewebs.com/lifestyle/Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-16672091011681816752007-08-15T09:14:00.000-07:002007-08-15T09:16:04.386-07:00We've been using YouTube to watch great videos, like clips from Mary Poppins, and videos of babies laughing and dogs skateboarding.The baby just loves these things. They are short - just a few minutes long, each of them - so they don't get boring to him. We can just watch one, and then move on. He sits on Mommy's lap and copies the sounds of the animals or helicopters or whatever it is that he Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-58803433674836514442007-06-25T14:30:00.000-07:002007-06-25T14:38:27.942-07:00If you are interested in finding people with similar interests to your own, here are a few places:MySpaceLinkedInFree People SearchFacebookI found a number of good friends through these sites, including some friends I thought I'd never find contact info for again. So - that was great!If your kids are online, monitor their activities, of course, particularly at MySpace.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-88030983694342059402007-06-11T11:46:00.000-07:002007-06-11T11:49:21.490-07:00I took the kids to a festival this weekend and we really learned a lot! I especially enjoyed the booth by the WhyIslam group - that answers many questions I had about Islam.I really liked the information they gave about equity of women and men in Islam - and I could see that Mohammed gave women much greater respect than they'd ever had before in that part of the world. It was really revolutionaryJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1162067676584261232006-10-28T13:27:00.000-07:002006-10-28T13:34:36.600-07:00How to Grow CranberriesIt's a great time of year to teach children about harvesting - and cranberries are particularly interesting!Contrary to popular belief, they don't grow in bogs. Many cranberry farmers grow the cranberry plants in low spots, and then, when it's time to harvest the cranberries, they flood the cranberry bogs. This separates the berries from the plants, and allow the farmers toJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1158501138323428082006-09-17T06:49:00.000-07:002006-09-17T06:52:18.336-07:00For updates on good news, and stuff you can do something about, including human rights issues, check out:News you can do something aboutCurrent Scene.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1158433938213607702006-09-16T12:10:00.000-07:002006-09-16T12:12:18.230-07:00If you are interested in finding out about Scientology, and how you can apply it to your life, visit: Scientology Church Locator - you can find a church in your area.You can also join this Yahoo! Group about Scientology where Scientologists can answer your questions.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1156632732492777812006-08-26T15:51:00.000-07:002006-08-26T15:52:12.506-07:00Want a Human Rights PSA on your site? Click here!Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1153341395887427462006-07-19T13:35:00.000-07:002006-07-19T13:37:36.446-07:00One of my favorite books about education is written by John Taylor Gatto, called The Underground History of American Education - he hits the nail squarely on the head in this one, attributing the demise of education in this country to the source of the problem.I really enjoy the "unschooling" approach he pretty much advocates. If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1152617992252478002006-07-11T04:38:00.000-07:002006-07-11T04:45:58.796-07:00Here's a good group to join if you are interested in finding out more about Scientology:Subscribe to aboutscientologyPowered by groups.yahoo.comJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1152458793479913722006-07-09T08:22:00.000-07:002006-07-09T08:26:33.500-07:00My kids are huge fans of Tom Cruise. We just watched another one of his movies - for the third time. I really like the diverse roles he plays. Magnolia and Interview with a Vampire are among my all-time favorite films.Here are some fun Tom Cruise blogs and sites:Tom Cruise blogTom Cruise - Scientology AmbassadorJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1152419602227580312006-07-08T21:30:00.000-07:002006-07-08T21:33:22.240-07:00My daughter is reading "The Taming of the Shrew", which I'm very happy about. I didn't even ask her if she wanted to read it - we have a pretty full library here at home, and she just picked up the play one day and started reading.It has been fun talking with her about it - she loves the story, and found the funny parts funny, which was good.She does make sure to look up any unfamiliar words in Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1152023539623268492006-07-04T07:30:00.000-07:002006-07-04T07:32:19.646-07:00Today is a good day to share this great thing I read about Independence Day.It was written in 1991 by Isaac Asimov.Star Spangled BannerBy Isaac Asimov March 1991 I have a weakness — I am crazy, absolutely nuts, about our national anthem. The words are difficult, and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a shower, I sing it with as much power and emotion as I can. It shakesJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1147442819914768302006-05-12T06:58:00.000-07:002006-05-12T07:06:59.950-07:00Here's a site with some fun educational quotes:Education quotes.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1146950167084933642006-05-06T14:13:00.000-07:002006-05-06T14:16:07.096-07:00One of my sons is a big gardener. He loves everything to do with plants. He is also interested in building - perhaps he'll become a landscape architect or something.Today he is planting his tomato and cucumber plants outside. I also gave him my tulip bulbs and asked him to plant those for me as well.He is the kind of kid who gets interested in something and really gets into it. I bought him some Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1146757042683207702006-05-04T08:33:00.000-07:002006-05-04T08:37:22.696-07:00Human Rights I am teaching my children about human rights - something that everyone could probably learn more about.We were discussing the persecution of the Falun Gong in China, and how this affects us, even though it is half a world away. I have noticed that youth can really understand the pain of others, and injustice seems just that to them - unjust. What is it about aging that causes some ofJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1146339256728526872006-04-29T12:31:00.000-07:002006-04-29T12:34:16.746-07:00Wanna hear a cute story?My 6 year old son came to me the other day. He said, "Mom! I was watching "America's Funniest Animals" and they were also Endangered! There was this dog, and his head was stuck in a birdcage. He was Endangered!"Apparently the cat was engangered, too - her head was stuck in a teacup. (I think they both made it out of "endangered" status okay, though.)Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1145987114730415802006-04-25T10:44:00.000-07:002006-04-25T10:45:14.753-07:00If you are in Florida, please considering sending a letter to your legislator.National Home Education Legal Defense P.O. Box 704 Southbury , CT 06488 Attorney Deborah G. Stevenson, Executive Director www.nheld.com (860) 354-3590 Fax: (860) 354-9360 Dear Florida State Representatives, National Home Education Legal Defense, or NHELD as it is commonly known, is an organization dedicated to Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1145760164634895742006-04-22T19:40:00.000-07:002006-04-22T19:42:44.646-07:00I was reading a friend's blog today and she was writing about Brazil - and they are making fuel for cars out of SUGAR CANE residue!How smart is that?my friend's blogJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1145665478190971052006-04-21T17:21:00.000-07:002006-04-21T17:24:38.210-07:00Arg! Our family caught the flu. I'm not surprised - my brother-in-law and nephew have it, my sister and her baby have it, a dozen people from my husband's office are out sick as well. Several of the kids have caught it, but it didn't last long, and they were over it quickly.Besides lots of rest and lots of fluids, we also give the kids Scientology assists and use the information in Scientology Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1145544242969434452006-04-20T07:42:00.000-07:002006-04-20T07:44:02.980-07:00I'm so happy for Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise - their baby, Suri, was born the other day. They had discussed following Scientology silent birth procedures. I hope Katie had an easy and quick birth! (Although there is generally nothing "easy" about birth, some can be easier than others!)Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1145372446399972092006-04-18T07:58:00.000-07:002006-04-18T08:00:46.410-07:00My oldest daughter is learning to sew, and getting very creative with it. Which is good, since I have a sewing machine, but can't seem to find the time to use it much - I am so glad she is finding it useful.She gave some pretty fabric scraps to her 6 year old brother - who cut a butterfuly for me! I have requested a ladybug and a spider from him next. ;)Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1145236255518841232006-04-16T17:58:00.000-07:002006-04-16T18:10:55.530-07:00One of my children is very interested in filmmaking. He's always been interested in really good films - like "Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins" when he was very young. He creates storyboards now, even though he's still so young. I think it's great for kids to really use their imaginations and create things that interest them. He and his older brother spend a great deal of time drawing charactersJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1144936696784662212006-04-13T06:54:00.000-07:002006-04-13T06:58:16.796-07:00I picked up a little day-by-day desk calendar on sale for my son - okay, it's not as cheesy as it sounds, being April already and all. It's one of those little origami calendars. Each day there is a new paper - with instructions on how to create something nifty on the back simply by folding the paper. The paper is decorated in a pretty color.This works great, because he wants to sit down and do aJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1144851956759773492006-04-12T07:24:00.000-07:002006-04-12T07:25:56.770-07:00I found a great book - "703 science experiments for kids" - most of them utilize things you already have around the house. The first half of the book contains experiments that are short and easy to do - the latter half of the book contains experiments more suitable and challenging for older kids.I like how these are divided up into categories. We can do one or three or five experiments in one dayJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1144261081922168372006-04-05T11:13:00.000-07:002006-04-05T11:18:01.933-07:00Scientology Silent BirthI have been reading an awful lot about Scientology silent birth practices. I have used the silent birth method in the birthing room, and I found it empowering and wonderful.Mothers can make noise while in labor. We can speak if necessary. We do, however, ask that others in the birthing room keep the space quiet and peaceful, with as little talking as possible. A lot of my Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1144161238314871462006-04-04T07:17:00.000-07:002006-04-04T07:33:58.356-07:00My kids have met children recently who belong to other religions. I think it's really important for children to meet people of different faiths. My son was reading about Islam on the internet. The scary thing is, with the internet, it's just too easy to come across anti-religious sentiment. Here are some good resources for true information about religions:Center for Studies on New Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1134739539092212452005-12-16T05:08:00.000-08:002005-12-16T05:25:42.403-08:00I found some great resources for artistically-inclined children.learn how to draw caricaturessongwriting courseI am actually interested in taking these courses myself!Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1133982278775934542005-12-07T10:59:00.000-08:002005-12-07T11:04:38.943-08:00Now that Christmas is approaching, we are singing Christmas carols like mad around here.I think it's very useful to help children understand the meaning of the carols - simply by using study technology principles created by Scientology L. Ron Hubbard.For instance, how many kids know what "deck" means - or "halls", for that matter, in "deck the halls"?Or how about mercy mild in Hark! The Herald, Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1132676402546599392005-11-22T08:19:00.000-08:002005-11-22T08:20:02.833-08:00One more reason why I wouldn't send my children to public school:Silent Lunch.Punishing children for things like not bringing back a signed note from the parent - I feel very, very sorry for those children whose parents are alcoholic or simply disorganized - and who might fail to bring in notes because their parents fail to sign them!Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1132155438869661712005-11-16T06:19:00.000-08:002005-11-16T07:37:18.923-08:00Human Rights Initiative Sparked at David Starr Jordan High School International delegates to the Youth for Human Rights Summit hosted by South Los Angeles high school.Los Angeles (PRWEB) October 20, 2005 -- David Starr Jordan High School hosted the 2nd Annual celebration of Youth for Human Rights Day with an international youth summit in which Jordan students sat alongside youth delegates from Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1129159972437068702005-10-12T16:26:00.000-07:002005-10-12T16:32:52.443-07:00I read a great homeschooling blog today - Not SchoolInteresting comments there on TeenScreen as well as many interesting points about the public school structure.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1127354095217448022005-09-21T18:51:00.000-07:002005-09-21T18:54:55.223-07:00TeenScreenTeens in schools have been given tests to determine their mental health status. These are computerized questionnaires. One girl's parents are suing because they were not given a consent form, and their daughter received her evaluation that she was mentally ill without their knowledge. In fact, it was done right after the girl completed the questionnaire - she was pulled into a hallway Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1127076493718211142005-09-18T13:44:00.000-07:002005-09-18T13:48:13.723-07:00Volunteer WorkIf you'd like to read more about what the volunteers in Louisiana and Mississippi are doing, here are some interesting blogs and websites:Live and Grow - Katrina Disaster ReliefThis fellow has been in Mississippi helping the evacuees.Youth Volunteerism - this is my son's blog. He's in Louisiana assisting the evacuees from the disaster.Scientology Volunteer Ministers - this is my Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1126898851592374832005-09-16T12:25:00.000-07:002005-09-16T12:27:42.020-07:00DiabetesI was very worried last month about my blood sugar levels. They were high when I did the one-hour glucose tolerance test. I was so afraid I'd end up with gestational diabetes!I followed the advice at this page about Diabetes and it was a cure! At least for me. When I went in for the 3-hour glucose tolerance test, I passed with flying colors.Another good source of information for DiabetesJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1126571712540096232005-09-12T17:28:00.000-07:002005-09-12T17:35:12.546-07:00My son is in Baton Rouge, assisting the evacuees from Louisiana. He's working with the Scientology Volunteer Ministers.They are running several shelters, with hundreds and hundreds of evacuees in Baton Rouge alone. The Scientology Disaster Relief Team also has teams in other areas of Louisiana, including in New Orleans itself.My son is working hard, but really feels great to be helping Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1124406814553209092005-08-18T16:10:00.000-07:002005-08-18T16:13:34.560-07:00Spotted while browsing the internet:Church of Scientology Human Rights Office in EuropeThe Church of Scientology International Human Rights and Public Affairs office was created in Brussels because Europe is a major player in the world today and Brussels in the heart of the European Community.There are some key human rights issues in Europe today. For example, the Roma community faces terrible Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1122851232166428072005-07-31T16:04:00.000-07:002005-07-31T16:07:12.173-07:00I have a friend who has invested in unattended business centers at hotels - like wireless kiosks. He has been doing great business.My husband has traveled a lot, and always needs to use the computer when he's at hotels, so I know important hotel wireless connection is to business travelers. I think it's a great idea.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1122764942644197132005-07-30T16:01:00.000-07:002005-07-30T16:09:02.650-07:00My son is so cute! He's 5 years old, and the youngest of all my children. He's always been very cuddly, and so I've been a little concerned that he might feel the baby we're expecting is taking his place. One thing we have always done, which has completely eliminated jealousy of the new baby, is we've always talked about the one we're expecting as "our baby." It's EVERYONE'S baby to take care of Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1121213363353067592005-07-12T17:07:00.000-07:002005-07-12T17:09:23.360-07:00My sister is about to have her first baby. I've been thinking a lot about birth, of course, and remembering the births of my own children. We practice "silent birth" which is something many Scientologists do. To read about silent birth and how it helps babies to grow up to be sane and happy, look at:Gentle BirthJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1120519372999669972005-07-04T16:17:00.000-07:002005-07-04T21:13:21.960-07:00No test for "chemical imbalance"???What on earth are doctors doing, doling out millions of prescriptions per year for something that can't even be found in a test? This is nuts...APA Admits there is no test for "chemical imbalance" CCHR7/2/2005 1:33:48 AM In an explosive admission, American psychiatric Association President Steven Sharfstein did a 180-degree turnaround from his TODAY show Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1120443977141214702005-07-03T19:05:00.000-07:002005-09-01T20:27:31.326-07:00I am really worried about the practice of putting women on psychiatric drugs these days - when they are suffering from hormonal imbalances.I really thought the "give the little lady a pill" days were behind us. Then I read Brooke Shield's story about being given Paxil for low progesterone levels, and did some research on my own. Unfortunately, her story is not unusual. I just can't fathom how a Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1120335984817975532005-07-02T13:12:00.000-07:002005-07-02T13:26:24.826-07:00So much talk in the news about PostPartum Depression!! PPD is a real problem, I know, as I had it myself. But I think Tom Cruise is right - Paxil and other powerful psychiatric drugs are very, very dangerous.I think in 50 years we'll look at these drugs the way MOST of us (excluding psychiatrists) now look at lobotomies and electroshock "treatments." Not so long ago, bloodletting was the thing toJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1119305642486900942005-06-20T15:12:00.000-07:002005-06-20T15:14:16.216-07:00Here is a good book if you are interested in learning about Scientology theology:Scientology: Fundamentals of Thought".Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1118592002625028192005-06-12T08:58:00.000-07:002005-06-12T09:00:02.630-07:00To read about efforts toward creating a more peaceful world, take a look at this blog about world peace:Towards PeaceJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1117680610676632432005-06-01T19:49:00.000-07:002005-06-01T19:50:10.680-07:00Here are some links to good sites dealing with homeschooling issues:homeschooling links.You can read about issues relevant to homeschoolers, like daytime curfews.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1117632975062430842005-06-01T06:33:00.000-07:002005-06-01T06:40:11.163-07:00 Landscape ArchitectureLandscaping has always been an interest of mine. I don't have much of a green thumb myself - interior plants don't seem to thrive in my own household, but I have found that exterior landscaping has been easy for me.I would like to create more edible landscaping in my own yard - you know, tomatoes, cabbages, strawberries, instead of bushes and plants that just sit there and Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1117553111958926712005-05-31T08:21:00.000-07:002005-05-31T08:25:11.963-07:00My mother is very interested in geneology. She learned to love this, after her grandfather traced their family tree back to Charlemagne.I am interested in the subject from a historical perspective. Here are some interesting sites I've found:Richland County, 1888Illinois Trails Richland County Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1117031548190490462005-05-25T07:25:00.000-07:002005-05-25T07:32:28.196-07:00Tom Cruise and ScientologyI am a big fan of Tom Cruise. Besides being a great actor, he's a true humanitarian. Here are some interesting sites about Tom Cruise:Tom Cruise interview with Katie Couric - Tom Cruise talks about ScientologyTom Cruise: Scientology is the Answer to the World's ProblemsTom Cruise: Hollywood Education and Literacy Project - utilizing the Study Technology developed by L. Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1115989493401101922005-05-13T05:32:00.000-07:002005-05-13T06:05:56.790-07:00My son told me this week that he wants to become a Scientology Volunteer Minister.There are a number of sections of this course, and they can be done one at a time. The first section he is doing is the "Answer to Drugs." Scientology drug education and rehabilitation is very effective. He will learn how to help people who want to get off drugs and stay off drugs.He already has been educating otherJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1113766022076165862005-04-17T12:10:00.000-07:002005-04-17T12:27:02.076-07:00Family helpI found a site with great information about relationships.Trouble with MarriageRaising ChildrenEffective CommunicationPeace and HarmonySolutions for a Dangerous EnvironmentRight and WrongDrug Rehabilitation ProgramEthics and MoralsPredict Human BehaviorAssists for disease and injuriesSelf EsteemHow to InvestigateScientology Spiritual CounselingBasics of OrganizingCommunicate your Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1112618798528492012005-04-04T05:46:00.000-07:002005-04-17T12:38:54.470-07:00I love personalized plaques with family names on them. These are so cute, especially when they are handcrafted plaques.Check out these decorative plaques.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1110831119037877732005-03-14T12:11:00.000-08:002005-03-14T12:11:59.040-08:00'TeenScreening' for High School Suicides Overwhelmingly Rejected by Florida School Board Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document. Experts fear TeenScreen program is just another way to boost sales of anti-depressant drugs. "It's just a way to put more people on prescription drugs," says Marcia Angell, a medical ethics lecturer at Harvard Medical School and author of "The Truth Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1110670530757749362005-03-12T15:31:00.000-08:002005-03-12T15:35:30.756-08:00We're getting ready to take an extended camping trip. Well, staying in a cabin - not exactly roughing it in a tent!We'll be squashed in a small space, and even though we'll be spending many hours a day outdoors, there will be rain somedays, and we can't spend ALL our time outside! So, when the kids aren't doing schoolwork, and they are stuck inside, I'm planning lots of crafts and projects that Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1110330738603302892005-03-08T17:09:00.000-08:002005-03-08T17:12:18.606-08:00My kids have been reading "A Series of Unfortunate Events" by Lemony Snickett. I read a couple as well, and we saw the movie.I am impressed! The writer explains the definitions of some words in the text of the stories. I think this is brilliant - kids get so many words thrown at them, and most of them don't know how to use a dictionary (victims of the "figure it out from context" craziness...) Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1109705431927725732005-03-01T11:30:00.000-08:002005-03-01T11:30:31.926-08:00I encourage my children to read and write poetry. One of my sons really admires Robert Louis Stevenson. When he was just 7, he memorized, "We Built a Ship Upon the Stairs" which is really lovely. When he recited it over the phone for Grandmama, well, we were all very proud!
His little sister loves Edgar Allen Poe. I showed her "Annabelle Lee" a few years ago, and she was hooked. So, for Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1109632007435385042005-02-28T14:50:00.000-08:002005-02-28T15:06:47.436-08:00The kids have been using PAINT on our computer for many years - the pictures they create are marvelous! I think this is a great tool for them. Much more useful than other graphics programs, because they really are just drawing with the mouse. My brother-in-law is a graphics designer, and some of my kids are interested in art - and also very talented. So they have a lot of fun, and who knows? It Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1109269417463892872005-02-24T10:19:00.000-08:002005-02-24T10:23:37.570-08:00Thank goodness the weather is getting warmer. My kids are going stir crazy... and taking me with them!We have found some alternatives to the cold, wet outside, however. Playplaces - at McDonalds and Burger King, going o the mall, visiting museums. These are some ways for the kids to get some exercise. I suppose we should join the YMCA.Today we are in the middle of exploring from home. We're Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1108675225638358902005-02-17T13:14:00.000-08:002005-02-17T13:20:25.640-08:00What animal gives birth through its mouth?I've been reading about the fascinating Gastric Brooding Frog.This frog lays eggs, then swallows them. A substance in the eggs stops the stomach from producing hydrochloric acid - so the eggs aren't digested - then, 7 weeks later, the eggs hatch and the babies are born through the mother's mouth!These frogs were discovered in Australia in the early 1970'sJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1108607450315910432005-02-16T18:30:00.000-08:002005-02-28T15:22:29.200-08:00As Scientologists, we participate in Scientology celebrations. These occur every few months. One of them is the celebration of L. Ron Hubbard's birthday. When we are in Los Angeles, we attend a big event at the Shrine Auditorium for this. It's always packed to the rafters, and everyone dresses up. It's a great opportunity for my daughters to wear long, velvet or ruffly dresses - they love it!Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1109633300727504002005-01-15T15:24:00.000-08:002005-02-28T15:28:20.726-08:00The Hooked on Phonics program has really been working out well.My younger daughter has been having great successes with it. For some kids, the pace may be too slow - for her, it's exactly what she needs. I've told her thta after she's spent 30 hours on it, I'll take her to lunch and give her a $20 gift card at a bookstore. She is SO EXCITED! She's been putting in several hours a day. Rewarding Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1105463046357461362005-01-11T09:04:00.000-08:002005-01-11T09:04:06.356-08:00Here's a great blog about volunteers helping tsunami disaster relief efforts:
India Disaster Relief and the Scientology Volunteer MinistersJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1105200123637339602005-01-08T08:01:00.000-08:002005-01-08T08:02:03.636-08:00From: http://www.volunteerministers.org/eng/news/tsumani/050107.htm
Asian Disaster Relief
Scientology Volunteer Ministers (VMs)
Friday 7 January 2005
OVERVIEW
The Volunteer Ministers’ relief work continues in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India. Hundreds of people, including government officials and members of other relief organizations, have contacted the VMs in order to work with Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1104599451777608522005-01-01T09:06:00.000-08:002005-01-01T09:10:51.776-08:00Hooked on Phonics -
We've always created our own curriculum, and not focused much on pre-packaged educational systems. We did, however, just purchase the complete Hooked on Phonics program.
This was a great purchase, and I wish I'd gotten it years ago, when my older daughter was learning to read.
It's VERY simple to use, and made fun. The stories are cute. There isn't the awful mixture of Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1107415726995916182004-12-23T18:57:00.000-08:002005-02-02T23:28:46.996-08:00We spent a few months at Disneyland last year. My husband was able to work from our hotel room, using the hotel wireless system. This was great - it was high speed internet connection, right from our hotel room!
It made our working vacation possible.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1103746137682549162004-12-22T12:08:00.000-08:002004-12-22T12:08:57.683-08:00My son is a big fan of voiceovers. I think he would love to be able to do this kind of versatile work himself.
Here is a little site he made:
VoiceoversJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1103247317527181572004-12-16T17:35:00.000-08:002004-12-16T17:35:17.526-08:00I did some traveling last year, and we found wireless systems and hotel kiosks to be invaluable. We were able to vacation AND work, and it worked out really well.
Hotel KiosksJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1103169338666626992004-12-15T19:55:00.000-08:002004-12-15T19:55:38.666-08:00I think it's really important to teach children about people who really help make a difference in the world.
One group is the Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers. Scientology Volunteer Ministers are there in times of need, helping people with whatever is most needed. For instance, after the World Trade Center disaster, the Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers were there for months, Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1103160383369672122004-12-15T17:26:00.000-08:002004-12-15T17:26:23.370-08:00"Learning How to Learn" is an excellent tool for teaching children how to study.
Even adults can use this information.
It covers study problems like "why do I forget something right after I've read it?", "What is the difference between memorization and learning?", "How do I make my child interested in learning?"
This is our FIRST study reference. It is the most important tool we have in our Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1102729551775714752004-12-10T17:45:00.000-08:002004-12-10T17:45:51.776-08:00Here's a site with great links about Improve Your AttitudeJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1102283452746901952004-12-05T13:50:00.000-08:002004-12-05T13:50:52.746-08:00My kids are interested in acting, especially the girls.
All actors should try their hand at voiceover acting, I think. I believe voice overs give actors the opportunity to really expand.
Christopher Reeve was famous for making it go right through turning his talents to voiceovers, but if you watch cartoons, you'll recognize many actors you've seen, particularly on sitcoms.
Here are some of myJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1101522337761960262004-11-26T18:25:00.000-08:002004-11-26T18:25:37.760-08:00Wow!!! This is a totally cool story about supernatural occurrances.
Haunted Fort
I totally believe that "unexplainable" things like this can happen.Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1100885763409851802004-11-19T09:34:00.000-08:002004-11-19T09:36:03.410-08:00My children have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do some acting work. They really love it!
Directory of Our Child Actors
Alex's Puppy Page
Sadie's Resume
Sadie's Pictures
Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1100750822735364912004-11-17T20:01:00.000-08:002004-11-17T20:07:02.736-08:00I was talking with a woman recently who has problems in her marriage. Her husband keeps cheating on her - and she has cheated on him, too! They just can't seem to see how destructive these activities are. As if infidelity won't hurt if the spouse doesn't find out...!
Once my husband had a coworker who frequented stripper bars. He wanted to take my husband to one. My husband declined, and the Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1100209014855065962004-11-13T13:33:00.000-08:002005-02-28T15:14:33.036-08:00The kids are making some Christmas decorations already - we got some foam pieces from Oriental Trading. We cut them in strips and taped them in loops - these are sturdier and brighter than construction paper. We can keep them and use them next year, but on the other hand, the real joy in these kind of chains is in the making of them - they aren't particularly pretty!Janenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1099360398499332092004-10-28T17:47:00.000-07:002004-11-01T17:53:18.500-08:00Here are a couple of cool links today:
Hair Coloring Videos
Globescope
Voiceover TalentJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898672.post-1097147903855568812004-10-07T04:16:00.000-07:002004-10-07T04:18:23.856-07:00Public School Teachers Send Their Kids to Private Schools
No one knows the conditions and quality of U.S. government schools better than those who teach in them.
And public-school teachers are putting their kids in private schools at rates far higher than the general public, according to a new study by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, based upon 2000 census data.
21.2 percent of urban Janenoreply@blogger.com