Owner: Simply A Musing Blog URL:http://www.simplyamusingblog.blogspot.com Join Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:35:15 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: I believe in self-deprecating humor, always wearing clean underwear, and looking on the bright side. I'm a happily married Christian mom of three and I homeschool, but don't give me any of those turtlenecks and rompers - 'cause I'm tragically hip. Site statistics:Click here
Comments are now open 2007-10-15 10:43:00 I didn't realize until today why no one was leaving comments...I guess it's because you were having a tough time..sorry. I have been fiddling around with my template and I think I must have erased some important code by accident. I have repaired it now, at least I think.Would you please test the comments out so I can be sure?
Read more:Comments
She's so lyrical 2007-10-14 23:57:00 My kids are gearing up for all things Christmas (our favorite holiday of the year) and we have been buying Rudolph books and movies and dusting off our holiday cd collections. They have a special love of music and spend a lot of their day singing Christmas songs and making up their own versions of popular songs.This morning, my husband was recording the kids singing their songs and this is how my 3 year old daughter sang "Santa Clause is coming to Town"...you HAVE to listen. (Ignore "the boy"...he's just waiting his turn on the recorder, and a little impatiently at that.)Here are the words to her song:He sees you when you go pee pee, He sees you when you go back to sleepAnd you better watch outHe sees you when you're wakin upAnd he sees you when you have to go pottyAnd you have to do thatAnd he sees you when you go back to sleep And you better watch outI'm tellin you why not to cryAnd you better watch out causeSanta Clause is comin...to TOWN!She's a little obsessed with all things Read more:lyrical
Why I Homeschool... 2007-10-14 17:38:00 A friend sent this news article to me via email. It is an older article, but the subject matter is still relevant. Please visit the link and then come back and share your thoughts in the comments section.I am astounded that there are teachers who feel it is okay to discuss this type of thing in the classroom. On one hand, I have had a couple of public school teachers tell me "It's not my responsibility to raise other people's kids and instill morals and values"...which I happen to agree with. But on the other hand, I feel that some teachers are just pushing the boundaries too far by discussing issues with such young children. First and second graders? This is the exact reason I am homeschooling...not because I don't want my kids exposed to this type of thing, because they'll be exposed eventually. You can't shelter them from all the issues of the world, but I homeschool because I want to present it from a Biblical perspective.And before some people go off on me about being "tolera Read more:Homeschool
Saturday Surfing Links 2007-10-13 14:53:00 1. Filed it under "Where in the Heck where this kid's parents?"2. I don't think I could do this, but it is almost as good as the guy who did the dust drawings: Laundry Detergent Paintings3.Scribbit is hosting a "Write Away Contest" over at her place with a couple of really neat prizes. This month's theme is "Things that Scare Me"...get your posts written before Wednesday, October 17 and get it submitted!4. Mary at Owlhaven has an interesting post about folks who buy resale (like I do). I'll post photos of my latest finds tonight!Technorati Tags: link love, saturday links, Texas
Read more:Saturday
, Surfing
Public Service Announcement # 389 2007-10-13 02:48:00 If you are by chance, say, writing a piece for Scribbit's October Write Away Contest, and the subject happens to be "Things that Scare Me"...may I suggest that you NOT write it at 2:46 in the morning when everyone else is asleep in the house, or you might just scare yourself so well that you won't be able to move from the safety of the computer desk? Funny how you never really notice the sounds your house makes until you get scared and then every. single. little. sound. is magnified and is probably a boogie monster waiting to reach out from under your bed and grab your feet. Oh quit laughing at me. You know boogie monsters exist. And I'm afraid of the dark, too. So there. Technorati Tags: spooky, write away contest, Texas
Read more:Public
, Service
, Announcement
, Public Service
, Public Service Announcement
Talking is way overrated, if you ask me... 2007-10-11 18:52:00 As a parent, sometimes I find it really difficult to get my kids to open up and talk to me about the issues that are really on their hearts. Over the past ten years, I have discovered more than a few sure-fire ways to get them to spill the beans:1. Make a phone call. This never fails to get their attention and this tactic will have them practically climbing over one another tell you their deepest darkest secrets. (Hello? See this black thing attached to my ear? It is a signal you are supposed to be q-u-i-e-t).2. Invite a friend over for lunch. They will materialize from nowhere and entertain both you and your guest with their latest rendition of Riverdance and you will witness their unmatched tales of sibling rivalry. (It's like dinner and a show!)3. Announce you are going out with dad for a date. This is my personal favorite, because once they realize they are going to be subjected to (gasp!) a babysitter, the floodgates open and they are finally able to proclaim their never-ending a Read more:Talking
, overrated
My new pretend BFF... 2007-10-11 13:55:00 I think Chonda Pierce and I were separated at birth.Technorati Tags: Chonda Pierce, YouTube, Texas
Winter Bazaar - Pumpkin Topiary 2007-10-10 11:04:00 We don't celebrate Halloween, but we love the season of Fall and all things associated with it. Especially pumpkins. I recently picked up some miniature pumpkins and after searching the web for something fun to do, I came across this idea. Why not make a pumpkin topiary candleholder for a festive fall centerpiece?First, let me tell you right up front that I am unabashedly and wholeheartedly taking this from PattieWack.com. I could just link to her website alone, but I love the photo and instructions, so I am posting them here for you, along with a link and all credits should go to her. Supplies:Miniature Pumpkin
s5 Inch Wooden DisksKrylon® Black Spray Paint3/8 Inch Dowel Rods (for topiaries)5/8 Inch Dowel Rods (for torches)3/8 Inch Wood Bit and DrillCraft GlueCraft KnifeTea LightsMarkerOptional: Decorative Urn, Spanish Moss, Fall Leaves Steps:1. Drill through the center of 5 pumpkins with 3/8 inch drill bit. Lay aside.2. Drill 3/8 inch hole in center of wooden disk, almost through.3. Read more:Bazaar
WFMW - In Case of Emergency 2007-10-10 10:25:00 Early one morning last year, I woke up to the smell of smoke in our home. I was disoriented and half asleep, as was my husband. But the two of us quickly snapped awake when we realized there was a possibility our house was on fire. Instinct told us what to do, but in reality, we were so unprepared. My husband dialed 911 while I roused the kids and got them outside. First, I woke up our eldest daughter and then I grabbed the baby and our toddler and ran outside to meet my husband. It was then I realized our eldest daughter hadn't followed me outside. I ran back into the house and discovered her asleep on her bed, oblivious to the smoke swirling around her head and the alarms going off. I quickly scooped her up and ran out of the house with her and by that time, the Fire Dept. had arrived. Thankfully, our house was not on fire, there was an electrical problem with our heater that had caused a sufficient amount of smoke to blow throughout our home, but once the doors were opened and som Read more:Emergency
Dentists and Bandaids 2007-10-09 17:56:00 We were driving home from the dentist's office today when my youngest son wrinkled his nose and inquired,"What is that stinky smell?" Everyone checked the bottom of their feet for doggy do and when that turned up nothing, he continued to insist that "something smelled really bad."Apparently, the smell was so terrible, it caused his nose to twitch -- which, in turn, caused him to sneeze. He kindly-remembered-his-manners-thank-you-very-much and covered his mouth and nose with his hand as he sneezed. Then he lifted his finger to his nose again and took a big old whiff of it again and almost fainted. Did you know that a little boy's finger that has been bandaged for 4 days because it had an invisible cut on it smells exactly the same as a pair of wet worn gym socks that have lain on a locker room floor for three weeks? I'm just sayin'...Technorati Tags: bandaids, children, Texas
Where've ya been? 2007-10-08 13:42:00 You can't really tell from looking at this map, because it's too large for my blog, but the only state I have not ever been to is Maine. Maine, why do you resist me so? I've always wanted to see you in the Fall...but we missed you on our Fall Tour 8 years ago. Sigh...create your own personalized map of the USA or check out ourCalifornia travel guideTechnorati Tags: world66, Texas
Could my kid paint that? 2007-10-07 01:30:00 I think not. I love my kids and their artwork, but this little girl is amazing. She's been painting since she was almost two years old and her artwork has received national attention. She has a GALLERY, people. Her name is Marla Olmstead. See her available work here.Technorati Tags: my kid could paint that, marla olmstead, Texas
Will the real ME please stand up? 2007-10-06 23:57:00 Sigh. This isn't going to be one of those feel-good posts -- you can probably tell that from that "sigh" at the beginning of the sentence. I put it there for emphasis. Emphasis of for the fact that this would all be really funny if it weren't happening to me.I had a realization tonight as I was sitting on the throne. (I'm sorry for the crude reference, but all my really superb and deep thoughts come to me when I am seated on that lovely porcelain chair, isolated from the cacophony of my children and bereft of any writing utensils.) I am just not the same person I was ten years ago. Oh, the flesh and bone part is still the same...except there's a little lot more flesh than there used to be, a few more wrinkles, and a heckuva lot more gray in my hair, but the part that used to make up the ME that people would search me out for...that funny and imaginative part? She's gone...and I don't know exactly when or where I lost her. I have become such a serious and responsible person, bound
Caption This 2007-10-06 10:15:00 Go to Chili's place if you want to add your own photo!Technorati Tags: photo carnival, caption this, Texas
Read more:Caption
If the truth be known... 2007-10-05 22:56:00 Anyone can face a crisis, its this day-to-day living that wears you out. I'll be back tomorrow with a real post...just hang in there with me, k?
Help, I'm in Homeschool H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks 2007-09-29 10:49:00 Well, not really, but close. This past week has been very draining. And very telling about my skills as a homeschooling mom and teacher.I'm afraid if we could hear the angels in Heaven while on any particular day school was in session this past week, we might have heard something to the effect of, "Woe! Woe! Woe unto them who are schooled by Karen!" Yes, it was that bad. I should be so much better than this, shouldn't I? After all, I spent copious amounts of time putting together lesson plans, coordinating schedules, checking and rechecking curriculum...not to mention, this ain't my first rodeo -- I have been homeschooling Katie now for four solid years. But no amount of preparation could have readied me for trying to teach my daughter how to write. Not just write, but write well. Move her from her childishly constructed sentences to actual prose. I have completely forgotten what it was like to be in 5th grade. My memories of school are a jumble...it seems I have placed such high ex Read more:Homeschool
The Four Wives 2007-09-29 02:15:00 There was a rich merchant who had 4 wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies. He took great care of her and gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the 3rd wife very much. He's very proud of her and always wanted to show off her to his friends. However, the merchant is always in great fear that she might run away with some other men. He too, loved his 2nd wife. She is a very considerate person, always patient and in fact is the merchant's confidante. Whenever the merchant faced some problems, he always turned to his 2nd wife and she would always help him out and tide him through difficult times. Now, the merchant's 1st wife is a very loyal partner and has made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household. However, the merchant did not love the first wife and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her. One day, the merchant fell ill. Before long, he k
Which side of the fence are you on? 2007-09-27 11:16:00 How do you feel about "Christian Rock" music? Does it belong in the Church? Is it okay to listen to in your "down time"? Do your kids listen to it?Consider this statement made by a very popular "Christian Rock" artist:"... the only difference [between rock and Christian rock] is the lyrics and then the difference is sometimes subtle ... at the basic root, there’s no difference. ... Christianity is about rebellion. JESUS CHRIST IS THE BIGGEST REBEL TO EVER WALK THE FACE OF THE EARTH ... he was crucified for his rebellion. ROCK ‘N’ ROLL IS ABOUT THE SAME THING--REBELLION ... TO ME ROCK AND THE CHURCH GO HAND IN HAND" (Mark Stuart of Audio Adrenaline, Pensacola News Journal, Pensacola, Florida, March 1, 1998, pp. 1,6E).This is the sentiment echoed by many "Christian Rock" artists. Do you agree? Why or why not? Join the discussion, please. I'm interested to know your thoughts.I'll post my response to this statement on Saturday.Technorati Tags: Audio Adrenaline, Christian Rock, Texa Read more:fence
Thursday 13 - Kind Ways to Say Someone Is Stupid 2007-09-27 09:56:00 1. A few clowns short of a circus 2. A few peas short of a casserole 3. The wheel's spinning but the hamster's dead 4. One Froot Loop shy of a full bowl 5. He fell out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down 6. An intellect rivaled only by garden tools 7. Doesn't have all his dogs on one leash 8. Her sewing machine's out of thread 9. His belt doesn't go through all the loops 10. No grain in the silo 11. Receiver is off the hook 12. Several nuts short of a full pouch 13. Too much yardage between the goal posts Technorati Tags: Stupid
ity, Thursday
Thirteen, Texas
Are you even remotely interested? 2007-09-26 16:01:00 I found this today. Would you pay $399 for a universal remote? That's how much this one costs! I mean, come on...don't those people know it hones your parenting skills to keep track of all the remotes that come with your electronic devices? I like to think of remotes as being like my kids...the second you take your eye off of them, they go missing. It is a little known scientific fact (probably because I'm making this up as I go) that if you learn to keep up with your remotes, you will never, ever lose your kids when you are out shopping in a public place. This is most definitely a product marketed for the SINGLE person: 1) They are the only ones with enough money to spend on something like this, and, 2) They are the only ones with enough time to figure out how the darn thing works. See, what the marketers don't tell you is that it takes a Doctorate in Electronics Engineering with an emphasis in Thermonuclear Physics to understand the detailed instructions and binary codes that com Read more:remotely
WFMW - How to Add a sk*rt button to your blog post 2007-09-26 09:35:00 Have you noticed the cute little button
s at the bottom of some blogger's posts? If you're like me, you are asking yourself, "Why would I even want one of those?" or, "What the heck is sk*rt?" This is what sk*rt has to say about thier site:sk*rt is a social media ranking platform of pure goodness. A portal to find cool things, smart scoop, clever ideas, excellent products, exceptional information. All of it. And more. In other words, sk*rt is like that friend who always finds the best stuff. Only better.You just never know when your tip or your advice that you are so freely doling out is going to be sk*rted, so it's really great idea to add the button so potential readers can submit with ease, which could net your more traffic to your blog. Whenever a blog entry is submitted to sk*rt, it is rated by the readers and then ranked according to popularity. The closer to the top your article is, the more points you have been given, thus more readers. I don't use the Sk*rt button on every
Wordless Wednesday - Shoes 2007-09-26 09:24:00 Check out the new Wordless Wednesday
HQ!!View More Wordless Wednesday ParticipantsTechnorati Tags: shoes, Wordless Wednesday, Texas
Tackle it Tuesday - My Bedroom 2007-09-25 07:47:00 When I first got married, there were two things I swore I'd never allow into my bedroom. The first was a television and second was a computer. Well, fast forward 6-1/2 years and 3 kids later...we have not only a computer in our bedroom, but it's also our home office! Our house has three bedrooms, and has only 1400 square feet of living space...so the most logical and convenient place for us to have our home office was on the side of our bedroom!I moved things around and made it work as best as possible, but there are days, weeks, even months that go by where I am overwhelmed with clutter and excess junk I have no clue where to put. So here's my tackle for today (and probably the rest of this week:Feel free to pray for me now, y'all. It's bad. I know. But now you see what I'm up against, why I have trouble blogging. It's hard to think in this mess. For more Tackle It Tuesday
projects, or to add your own, visit 5 Minutes for Mom and link up!Technorati Tags: Tackle it Tuesday Texas Read more:Bedroom
Recipe Round Up - Freezer recipes 2007-10-18 09:35:00 Country Chicken Pot PiesMakes (4) 6 inch pies, one serving each(these pies are absolutely delicious and freeze well)Filling:1 C chopped onion1 C chopped celery1 C chopped carrot1/3 C butter or margarine, melted1/2 C all-purpose flour2 C chicken broth1 C half-and-half4 C chopped cooked chicken1 C frozen peas, thawed1 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. pepperBasic Pastry (or you can buy them premade)4 C all-purpose flour2 tsp. salt1 1/2 C plus 1 Tblsp. shortening1/3 to 1/2 C cold waterSaute first 3 ingredients in butter in a skillet over medium heat until tender. Add flour; stir until smooth. Cook 1 minute stirring constantly. Add chicken broth and half-and-half; cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in chicken, peas, salt, and pepper.To prepare pastry mix flour and salt. Cut shortening into flour till the size of peas. Add water 1T at a time and mix gently.Divide Basic Pastry into 8 equal portions . Roll 4 portions of pastry to 10 inch circles on a floured surface. Place in four 6 Read more:Freezer
Reminder: Tomorrow is the Recipe Round Up! 2007-10-17 13:27:00 Tomorrow is the link up day for the monthly recipe round up. This month's round up is all about make-ahead freezer foods. If you have anything to share, post it on your blog and then head on over to Motherhood Apologia and link up tomorrow! Help us spread the word on your blog, too! The holidays are coming (and that means unexpected company) and it would be great to have a few items in the freezer just in case, don't ya think?Technorati Tags: recipe round up, Texas
Read more:Reminder
Winter Bazaar - Silly Popcorn Treats Recipe 2007-10-17 11:53:00 I made these last year with my kids and were they ever a hit! I haven't made them yet this year, so I don't have a "real" photo...only the photo from the craft book I found the recipe in. Incidentally, I have all of these books and I wouldn't want to be without them. If you are a crafty sort, get thee to a book store and check them out!Silly
Popcorn Treats Recipe18 cups popped popcorn2 cups sugar1 cup water1/2 cup light-colored corn syrup1 teaspoon vinegar1/2 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon vanilla*gummy worms, candy corn, and other Halloween candiesRemoved all unpopped kernals from popped popcorn. Put popcorn in a greased 17 x 12 x 2 inch baking or roasting dish (or whatever's close). Keep popcorn warm in a 300 degree oven while making syrup.For syrup mixture, butter the sides of a heavy 2 quart saucepan. In saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar, and salt. cok and stir over medium-high heat till mixture boils, stirring to dissolve sugar (about 6 minutes). Clip a candy ther Read more:Bazaar
Wordless Wednesday: Plunging neckline... 2007-10-17 11:29:00 (my new friend, Jeannette, at our church's "ladies tacky party") To see more Wordless Wednesday
participants, visit the official WW headquarters here.Technorati Tags: wordless wednesday, halloween, Texas
WFMW - Have Your Blog Graded for Free! 2007-10-17 09:48:00 If you are anything like me, you check your blog stats once or twenty times a day...it's a sickness, I know. Even if you don't, this tip is probably something you could use, because if you blog, you do want people to be able to find you, right? (Maybe I'm a mutant, I don't know...)I recently discovered a website grader (don't worry - it works on blogs too) where you simply enter in your blog URL and after a minute of calculating, it will spit out your score, along with a detailed explanation of why you scored the way you did.I had a score of a measly "3" when I first ran the test, and now I have a whopping "65", which simply means that my blog scores higher than 65% of other websites in terms of "marketing effectiveness. Just for fun, I ran a comparison (you can do that too) with Rocks In My Dryer to see...well, how I compared. Not pretty, y'all. But I don't have nearly as many links or visits, either. (click on example below to enlarge)All in all, it was a fun project, and I h
Recommend Site To A Friend
