Cousins Galore

I’ve been hosting my sister’s family at my house this week.  They flew in from Colorado for my oldest son’s graduation.  We’ve been having a ball.  It makes me realize how much I miss them, though.  I’ve already offered to convert the bonus room into bedrooms so that they can move on out here.  J

She has five kids in her clan and we’ve got four.  Aren’t they a good looking bunch of youth!

My Oldest Son Graduated Today

How is it possible that I now have two high school graduates?  Wasn't it just yesterday that I was marveling at that big infant in my arms (he came into the world at 11 pounds)?  He is a gentle heart with a stubborn streak.  A handsome young man with aspirations in the techological world of automobiles.  I'm so proud of who he is and can't wait to see the man he will become.

A House Full of Family

I am SO excited!

My sister and her entire family are coming to celebrate my oldest son’s graduation starting tomorrow! She, like me, has three boys and a girl. So, all seven are coming, and I couldn’t be happier.

Thirteen people in my house! What a joyous occasion! I know – it’s A LOT of people, but when it’s a houseful of loved ones, there can’t be too many.

This is especially exciting because none of her kids have ever been to my house. We’ve lived here eleven years. When they do come to NC, we like to meet at the beach. Can you blame us? So, getting to host everyone is a real treat.

My only fear – feeding everyone! Since six of the people here will be hungry teenage boys, I may literally be eaten out of house and home. Fortunately, they put in a Mickey D’s about two miles from here a year ago. If worse comes to worse, I can give them each enough cash to raid the dollar menu.

We have three boys to a bedroom, the two littlest kids on a futon in the music room, my sister and hubby are taking my oldest son’s room, we’re staying in our room, and now I just have to figure out where my daughter will go. She can sleep in the room with the two youngest, but she works late and usually comes in around midnight. So, maybe not a good idea? We could put a mattress in our room, but then she’ll wake us up. Hmmm…. Maybe the laundry room? Just kidding! We’ll figure it out…

Are you having family stay with you this summer?

Turning off Texting

I’m beginning to see my husband’s perspective on teens and texting. After an episode of he said /she said that apparently went on until 4:00am this morning involving my two oldest teens and various friends, I have to feel that texting just creates social barriers.

When matters of the heart can be dealt with by the clicking of buttons, something has to change. When tone is indiscernible and things can be said that would never be said face to face, things have to change.

I honestly see the advantages of texting. In fact, I enjoy and use it quite a bit myself. Quick texts about a person’s day or their whereabouts are a good thing. This is much easier than entering into a lengthy conversation when a few words can do the trick.

However, I’m just not sure that youth of today understand when it’s time to step away from the message box and actually dial that person’s number. They don't verbally engage one another on a personal level and make sure that what is being communicated is being said understanding there is another human receiving the message.

My hubby has been rallying for the removal of texting from our teens' plans for quite a while. The fact that they’ve exceeded 20,000 texts a month should have convinced me, but the brouhaha that ensued this morning all over a text battle last night has opened my eyes.

Now we have to decide, do we -

1. Go cold turkey and turn texting off completely
2. Set time limits on when texting is an option – like 8am to 10pm
3. Realize we can do nothing because these are young “adults”
4. Confiscate phones at night

It’s time to get serious and make a decision. One that will inevitably lead to another brouhaha as these privileges are in danger of being revoked.

How do you manage texting in your household?

When is Enough, Enough?

Have you ever realized that you are your teen’s hero as long as your wallet is out? It’s an interesting phenomena – I go from being an ignorant annoyance to being amazing with the flick of a credit card.

Some days, it’s nice to be loved and show love by making them happy. Other days, it’s downright frustrating when the attitude turns on the minute a request is made to pick up, clean up, or just be home in time for dinner.

No – this isn’t the Holiday Inn. That’s the mantra around this house. You don’t have a hotel room with free continental breakfast and maid service – you have a family and a home where responsibilities are expected.

Sigh… Can you tell it’s been a rough afternoon?

So, what do you do to keep balance in a home with teenagers? Or is it just mine? No, I know it’s not. Couldn’t be, right?

Remodeling - Making a Room for Two Boys

The younger boys are moving back into a room together now that Sissy is moving home for a semester.  At first, they didn't like the idea, but after some cajoling and new furniture (yay for IKEA) they are happier.

Here's what we've got so far.  The goal was to make a living space for each of them as far opposite as possible in a single bedroom.  So far, so good.  Still waiting on the platform beds to get in, but the mattresses on floor suit them fine since they don't have to make their beds.  :-)



Desk Area 1



Desk Area 2



A Place for all those Legos

TKD Belts

2011 TOS Homeschool Crew Blue Ribbon Awards

The Blue Ribbon Awards are Out!

Come on by and see which homeschool curriculum The Old Schoolhouse magazine's Homeschool Crew voted best for 2011.  Selections were based on what the Crew had the opportunity to review for this year! 

I loved the opportunity to be a part of the Crew and can't wait to see what we are reviewing for next year.  Whether you've gotten your curriculum for next year or not, this is a great opportunity to check out different vendors and see what the reviewer's of the Crew thought of these products.

Click here to find out who won...