One Homeschool Mom Raising Socialized and Civilized Children...One Child at a Time!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Should today be a new day?
I have one child up at the moment...poor thing will get the first rant of the morning! But having them stagger in may be the key to getting things done on different levels. No you may not have your phone with you and no you may not turn on the tv or listen to music while getting your stuff done.
Yesterday, I had a plan and knew what I wanted to get done today and now I have had a car stop right in front of me and I can't go anywhere with my plan for the day. So we have to move this car before we can keep moving on our "trip" for the day. Roadblocks are really hard to handle. Especially when you normally have road rage.
(Disclaimer: This is speaking metaphorically...we really don't have a car stopped in front of me. Use the other side of your brain)
I have pulled everything out from under the couches and it sits as a pile in the living room floor.
So how did today turn in to a new day? The sun did go down and then this morning the Lord rose the sun once again. We are not promised this for tomorrow. I am not promised that the chores will be done and ready for a new day the next day either.
All the kids are up now. One situation already dealt with. One child already showered. 4 beds made. Clean clothes on their backs. Waiting on the kitchen to be finished and I think today will be a homeschool day around the family table. Maybe we should make it a habit to do it this way at least 3 days a week.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
In history...
In history...that is how children nowadays think about history. That it was just something stupid that happened in the past and why should they learn about it now? In public school, they learn that "stupid" history fact to pass a test and then do a brain dump. Not everybody but I can tell my son has done that. Emily and I were sitting here having a discussion about Rosa Parks and Jacob couldn't even tell me who she was. So guess what he is doing?
Why are kids pumping and dumping their education? Do they really need to know every fact, detail and date? I think that if you were to ask a kid who is "so and so" they should know the general information about that person. I know for a fact that Jacob learned about Rosa Parks in public school...where did that information go?
New Year...New ?
The day has started out well if you haven't already been stalking my facebook then you would have seen this:
- Its the hot lottery number in the world of diabetes. I don't believe in superstitions or premonitions or any kind of "itions" but I am hoping and praying for a good diabetes year (see I believe in "ing" words). Disregard the mountain before the 100...that doesn't count anymore. The truth of the matter is that it came down and that is the important part. Yes, I know I am talking myself into things but at least I am keeping it positive!
- I plan to have a good diabetes year and overcome my short something. Should I say short falls? Or short comings? I mean I did just use the word overcome...Anyhow, I just would like to do better and continue to get better.
- I plan to get to those game requests a lot sooner on my phone...sorry random opponents I don't know...but you keep some of my world rotating. For those that I play that do know me, I expect to get more requests from you. Not the facebook games! I don't do those. And I don't like games that you can buy/upload a cheat app to help you beat me better. It gets pretty obvious if my total score is like 300 and yours is 6,000. I know I am not that dumb!
- I plan to plan better. I always say that when I plan, God laughs. Well he did it again this week. I planned all weekend for this week. We were going to start back with our lessons. Well, yesterday we had a guest and today daddy is home and we want to go swimming instead. Did you hear that? HAHAHAHAHAHA! Yep that was Him laughing at me.
- I plan to delete people on my facebook that either 1. I really don't know 2. They don't have diabetes or 3. They are not a cross stitcher. 4. You are a homeschool mom. So if you don't know me in real life and we don't converse outside of facebook and we don't have a texting relationship...consider yourself gone. You should have diabetes too because if you don't then I am sure you don't want to hear about my numbers or the kids numbers and be able to understand when we are "high" and not think we are junkies. I have to keep my homeschool moms because that is an outside connection that I need...or maybe its their ideas that I really need. Cross stitchers just "get" me...most of them at least do. Some have the ADD bug like I do and stitch for awhile and then wonder why they aren't stitching for the past month? So, yes, I am cleaning up my facebook. I am glad I have found people I haven't seen in ages but just because I found them doesn't mean I talk to them. Do you?
- I plan to blog more. Blogging is like therapy to me. It gets my feelings out and I don't have the fear of being judged. Because if I did feel judged I would blog about YOU! lol...j/k! ::maybe not::

Saturday, December 15, 2012
Hurry before the end of the month!
I don't know if anyone else does this...but we do! Since our insurance is all paid up from deductibles and OOP expenses we needed to get all equipment in before the 1st of the year and all the deductibles go back to ZerO!The kids were able to get their sensors in! Yay!
I suppose you can say that we have a charging station now on the edge of my bathroom vanity. I wish it stayed this neat and tidy...but it doesn't! I have one tha tis blinking red right now so I am assuming it needs a new battery! I will have to look at this in a bit! Getting the boxes delivered felt more like Christmas to us! They have waited a good time to get these and have spent quite a few night with lows and shaky, yucky feelings!
Our 12:12 on 12/12/12 picture! Only one was not at 12:12...she did it at 12:14 because it took her extra time to get more blood out of her finger!

On the 2nd Day of Christmas I blog over to you...
Yesterday, Elizabeth was able to meet her K12 teacher in person at the winter social 2012. In our area the children met up at the bowling alley. They had a coloring poster for each of them to color on and then had a drawing for 10 of the K12 string backpacks. Elizabeth was a lucky winner for the backpack.!!
About 10 minutes into the bowling session the lights turned off and cosmic bowling was ON like donkey kong! I know cheesy...but it sounded pretty good in my head to say that on here. Emily wore the perfect shirt for this occasion. Didn't plan for it to work out as good as it did...but it was awesome!
The other three have taken their holiday break a bit early. So much has been going on to get ready for Christmas. Some nice weather we have had with a few days of rain. We are still recovering from the Christmas play days where the kids took part as banner carrier, offering bearer and in the homeschool handbell choir. These days were proud mama, daddy, grandaddy and aunt days! We even had a friend of ours come with us on 2 nights of the performance. Everyone that took part in the play did a superb job!If you would like to keep up with my cross stitching and learn about giveaways and how you can win for yourself or somebody else (great stocking stufferes right now!) Come check it out at: http://yougotmeinstitches.blogspot.com/ I am posting a new giveaway tonight, become a follower and you are in! No other strings attached...I promise!
And it wouldn't be a complete blog post if I didn't plug in Pampered Chef as well!
This month I will be organizing a Pampered Chef Order of the Month Club. Looking for groups of 12 who will commit to buying $20 in products + applicable taxes & shipping. Each month a new hostess of the group will have the honor of earning the free products and hostess gifts! Easy, right? If you are interested in this leave a comment and let me know.
Yesterday was a long day with appointments and shopping. But I came home to daddy and Jacob making potato chips in the deep fryer! He used the Simple Slicer from Pampered Chef and raved over how easy it was to do! "simple" would have been my word and the obvious word to use but I will take his "easy" anyhow! The Simple Slicer is only $30 in the catalog and it adjusts to 3 different thickness selections. See our potatoes?? Come visit me at pamperedchef.biz/rcj176Saturday, December 1, 2012
12 Days of Christmas "our" style
Checks their blood sugar 7 times
On the 2nd Day of Christmas our family
Eats 15 carbs and waits 15 minutes
On the 3rd Day of Christmas our family
Scrambles to find out who is online to help with a carb question
On the 4th Day of Christmas our family

Greets the mailman with 4 giant smiles
On the 5th Day of Christmas our family
Makes 4 different doctor appointments
On the 6th Day of Christmas our family
Has hypos at different times of the day (remember there are 24 hours in a day)
On the 7th Day of Christmas our family
Asks, "Are you HIGH?"
On the 8th Day of Christmas our family
all changes our pump batteries
On the 9th Day of Christmas our family
Somebody yells, "Who is beeping", "What does it say"
On the 10th Day of Christmas our family
Tries to plan which pajamas to buy according to how well the pump will clip on
On the 11th Day of Christmas our family
looks at their sore fingers and wonders if that lump of black dots will go away
On the 12th Day of Christmas our family
Has diabetes but diabetes doesn't have us and we have 4 great blessings to thank God for!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Holiday Food Gifts
Homeschooling from bed at times...
I think Elizabeth and I were able to get through more material today since she is sick in bed. I had her full attention after all! She seems to have caught some type of virus. We thought something was going on when her sensor was dropping and so were the fingerstick tests. I thought viruses and germs cause your blood sugars to raise. My kids are the exception I suppose. So a pallet was made next to my bed for the past two nights where she slept at arms reach. She had a drink at my bathroom sink, a coke on the nightstand and yogurt going in her belly! She also had her kindle and was ready for the long nights. I am glad she was because I was pretty tired. Later on in the night she developed a sandpaper rash but I am happy to say that today her blood sugars are up a little (around the 130s) and says she feels better. I really think she is bored of staying in bed and wants to be better. Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Pre-Holiday Party Plans!
Pampered Chef has some great items for your kitchen & grilling area (indoor & out)! Shopping online has never been so much fun and easy! All orders can be placed online and shipped directly to you.
Here is how it works:
1. Visit pamperedchef.biz/rcj176
2. Click "Shop Online" and enter Regge Jones as the host
3. Shop away!
December 1st - 7th
Guests spending $75 will earn the Stackable Cooling Rack for FREE!! ($15.50 value)
Do you have a product that you need ideas for...let me know and I can email you recipes for any product.
All orders will be submitted together and shipped when the show closes on December 7th; credit cards will be processed at that time. For security purposes I can't see your full cc number...only the last 4 digits. Direct shipping is available to anywhere in the U.S. Questions? Email me @RCJ176@gmail.com
Sunday, November 25, 2012
The beginning of the holiday season
Our holidays have started off very well. Thanksgiving was stress free, lots of food and plenty of catching up with stories. Tables were beautifully set and ready for out of town family to arrive. All the typical Thanksgiving fare was served and today after eating on the leftover for a few days at Judge's parents home we brought everything to our house. They were tired of eating turkey and they knew with 4 growing kids it wouldn't last very long here. I think I need to make some more sweet potato casserole though (that's my favorite) and one the first to be finished off too!
Now I am getting ready to start about Christmas and which boxes that need to come upstairs first to begin sorting. I don't want to overdo it. The kids are cleaning rooms this afternoon and straightening up the basement that has been neglected for the past month. While I catch up on reading and learning spanish. I already know some conversational spanish but this program DuoLingo is kind of showing me I really didn't know as much as I thought I did! It is really fun and to me it feels like a learning game. You can attach it with your facebook and compete against friends I suppose. I did this but only invited my children to come learn with me.
Yesterday, Emily helped me finish up the lesson plans for the week. The only one that isn't on the board is Elizabeth's plan as its already on the computer. Its really nice having Jacob and Emily in the same grade as their assignments are quite even except for the math part. Jacob is taking Advanced Geometry while Emily is working on Algebra I. We are desperately in need of another laptop in our house. Too many people needing to be on the computer at the same time.

A lot of my friends are gluten free and I found a list of pantry items that are in the Pampered Chef catalog. She is a fellow consultant and she has this list on her blog HERE. Thanks Erin!
And remember with tomorrow being Cyber Monday, orders over $75 not only get a free serving spatula but they also get FREE SHIPPING! This can save a lot especially depending where you are! I do have an open party right now and you are more than welcome to take advantage of the free shipping tomorrow if the order is large enough to close tomorrow. Otherwise individual orders are always welcomed! Come visit my Pampered Chef site!
Monday, November 19, 2012
2 great recipes
Lets talk about recipes...are you looking for something to make this week.
Yesterday I posted my goal list of what I wanted to be able to do. I was able to get everything done except for the creme brulee. I think I will do that this morning. Here is the recipe I will be using.
http://whatscookingamerica.net/CremeBrulee.htm
Recipe Type: Dessert, Puddings & CustardsYields: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ingredients:
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups whipping cream, chilled
4 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping
caramelized brussels sprouts
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Sea Legs
So far I have walked to the living room from my bedroom. Then went to the kitchen to get some lunch. Walked back to the living room and almost lost my lunch by tipping over and thank goodness Judge caught me in time. He was able to get me back to the couch with my lunch intact! :) Yay me! Then I walked to the puzzle table and worked on the puzzle for a bit, walked to the bathroom (will spare the details) and now I am back to the couch.
Goals today:
Make sure I can walk to the bathroom
Watch football from maybe the recliner this time
Make dinner (chicken fajitas on tortilla chips...pictures below)
Try to make Creme Brulee for the first time.
Make sure I can walk to my bed to go to sleep tonight
If you haven't figured it out yet...the keyword today is WALK! I am walking!
Pampered Chef Blog Plug
This is what you will need to make the shredded chicken (and done in the microwave too) Cook it, shred it with the salad choppers, add seasonings and voila!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Checking my boundaries...
Are my boundaries clear?
Are my boundaries creating havoc in my physical life, emotional life and/or spiritual life?
How are my boundaries affecting my children?
It seems that my feelings are hurt more now than they have ever been. I feel that I am tearing apart on the inside first and then the outside is coming soon. I find that the outside part is my physical life and my insides are my emotional and spiritual life.I am experiencing all three parts right now as I cope with a pretty good attitude a medical issue that is still up in the air as to what it "officially" could be. All arrows point to an obvious diagnosis but we have to wait up on the Lord and the doctors.
Having an unhealthy boundary that brings you down at every chance due to their lack of "having a life" is hard. Having "know it all" boundaries are hard to deal with as well.
I am trying not to be needy and look like I am put together really well but its not working for me right now and in the now I am having outward emotions. I know the children have seen some of it as it comes out in my moods. And sometimes my moods are dictated by my blood sugars. When my blood sugars are high it is usually due to stress or stressful situations.
I found this quote and it totally applies to me but I just don't know where to start:
“You change for two reasons: Either you learn enough that you want to, or you’ve been hurt enough that you have to.” ~Unknown
http://serenityonlinetherapy.com/healthyboundaries.htm :
- When you identify the need to set a boundary, do it clearly, preferably without anger, and in as few words as possible. Do not justify, apologize for, or rationalize the boundary you are setting. Do not argue! Just set the boundary calmly, firmly, clearly, and respectfully.
- You can’t set a boundary and take care of someone else’s feelings at the same time. You are not responsible for the other person’s reaction to the boundary you are setting. You are only responsible for communicating the boundary in a respectful manner. If others get upset with you, that is their problem. If they no longer want your friendship, then you are probably better off without them. You do not need "friends" who disrespect your boundaries.
- At first, you will probably feel selfish, guilty, or embarrassed when you set a boundary. Do it anyway, and tell yourself you have a right to take care of yourself. Setting boundaries takes practice and determination. Don't let anxiety or low self-esteem prevent you from taking care of yourself.
- When you feel anger or resentment, or find yourself whining or complaining, you probably need to set a boundary. Listen to yourself, then determine what you need to do or say. Then communicate your boundary assertively. When you are confident you can set healthy boundaries with others, you will have less need to put up walls.
- When you set boundaries, you might be tested, especially by those accustomed to controlling you, abusing you, or manipulating you. Plan on it, expect it, but be firm. Remember, your behavior must match the boundaries you are setting. You can not establish a clear boundary successfully if you send a mixed message by apologizing for doing so. Be firm, clear, and respectful.
- Most people are willing to respect your boundaries, but some are not. Be prepared to be firm about your boundaries when they are not being respected. If necessary, put up a wall by ending the relationship. In extreme cases, you might have to involve the police or judicial system by sending a no-contact letter or obtaining a restraining order.
- Learning to set healthy boundaries takes time. It is a process. You will set boundaries when you are ready. It’s your growth in your own time frame, not what someone else tells you. Let your counselor or support group help you with pace and process.
- Develop a support system of people who respect your right to set boundaries. Eliminate toxic persons from your life - those who want to manipulate you, abuse you, and control you.
- Setting healthy boundaries allows your true self to emerge – and what an exciting journey that is.My highlighted area is where I am right now. Please pray for me as a hard transition is in the horizon.Lord I ask you to be with me during this trial and tribulation. I ask that you provide the comfort that I am so much need of. I need to find your love and guidance as I embark on this emotional journey. I pray for peace on both sides of the fence and for understanding and as little of a transition as possible. In Jesus Name, Amen.How's that? My first online prayer. Not great but not too bad either. God knows what is in my heart each time my heart gets broken. Only He knows my desires and my needs.I thank my friends who are true friends. That they have taught me what true friendship is through this season in my life.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Bringing me closer
Something I have had heavy on my heart is the outpouring of kindness we have been a recipient of in the last few weeks. Since my hospitalization we have had meals brought in, days set up for people to pick up my children so they can still attend handbell choir, numerous calls, text messages and a ride here and there for me to get a few things done.
First I must mention that I had a similar medical experience 6 years ago and we did attend church at that time too. We did end up leaving the church because we did not feel like we belonged when I came home with my right side not working properly. The only help that we received was getting me back and forth to therapies and the kids to public school. Our helpers weren't apart of the church.
As church members we should help our own flock. I am not saying this as if everyone needs to get over here right now because I have a spot on my floor. I am saying this as a sheep knowing that we must all stick together.
Something I have also noticed is that the people that have helped are not only visitors from our church leadership but people from our previous church that we don't have membership. So our help has come from our church family and other church "families" too. It is nice to see that our society is starting to come together as a family. Even if its just a glimmer of unity. I can see it. And I hope the light shines bright enough for others to see it to.
Families just because we don't belong to the same church I hope we are still worshiping the same God. We have that common bond and sense of family. Families take care of families! I received a card in the mail from my aunt in Texas. She has always been Catholic for as long as I can remember and went to services at different times than we did. She sent the most beautiful card that brought tears to my eyes. It was a Get-Well Prayer that stated that I was to be remembered in daily prayers at Saint Lawrence Seminary for 1 year. I hope they won't forget me after a year but it was very touching to receive the card not only signed by aunt and uncle but also their "priest"? How sweet is that. She didn't have to do that. She is not a Baptist like I am but I know that we have the same God. I have had long conversations with her about the differences and similarities of our churches.
I guess my grand point is that we don't have to go to the same church as each other or belong to the same group of friends....although that may be how you find out who may be ill. Churches are coming together as one and taking care of God's people. I find this to be a blessing!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
More grey hairs and sore legs
Here is my #1 of positive and negative for the day.
#1 positive . Jacob is working really hard. Participating more and more in handbell choir. I hated to have to make him do this music class but he really needed to do it! And i have heard nothing but good things lately about his attitude and participation. Praise God for what he is doing for my son! Other praises for him...he helps me transition from room to room. When I am ready to go to bed he makes sure I have my phone, a drink for night meds, remotes and things put away. During they he will clear paths for me, push me if I need help getting through a doorway or over a bump. He has done tremendously well in this transition for our family. I also like the fact that the armrests come off the wheelchair making it easier and less effort for me to be more independent. It was also nice for all of us to go to the grocery store today. If I can just slow my pusher a bit so I can take in the experience a bit slower....lol!
#1 negative. Sitting in a wheelchair most of the day was cool at first as it gave my leg a rest. But my butt hurts. #1 on the agenda tomorrow is to find a comfortable blanket to sit on. Watching tv in your wheelchair is not comfortable either. Idea for next week...dvr Grey's Anatomy in my bedroom and not in a different room. I could transition to a recliner but I may not want to get back up. I am so ready for bed.
Homeschooling did ok. As usual, Jesse can't find his papers he has been working on since Monday. Jacob is caught up and I really enjoyed teaching him about triangles with inside and outside angles. That was fun for me at least! I hope he keeps that same enthusiasm. Emily is on her own. Tomorrow is Friday and I hope that she doesn't have to spend the day playing catch up. No therapies tomorrrow with limited interruptions makes getting more work done with Elizabeth tomorrow.
Never thought I would take for granted the idea of getting fresh air. Its not like I can just get in the van with the kids and a cooler or bikes. If you know me...I am an inside person. Now I want to be geared up and on my bicycle listening to some tunes and adding up miles. Maybe I will start slow and just get my cross stitch back out and work on fine motor skills. I have therapy putty to work on. Screws to maneuver the nut up and down and packets full of exercises to be doing.
Saturday is the day I am looking forward to. A quick trip to McKays to drop off books and see what is new. Then we are wheeling through the mall to get me some new loose pants. Jeans don't work when you are in a wheelchair.





