September 11

In our hearts, on our minds--where the memories of the events of 9/11/2001 should be. Time does heal all wounds, but still, we MUST remember, so that it doesn't happen again. As the time of the morning approaches the point when the first plane struck, all of my being is taken back. My heart rate is quickening, hands are sweating, as if it is all about to happen again. I think of Sondra, who was at my house that morning--neither having any idea initially what was going on, until I finally answered the phone, she her pager, and together in horrow we watched what was happening. She sat frozen on the couch as the Pentagon was hit, knowing her son was there. Thankfully, immediately she received a call that he was okay, and she returned to her job, stunned, numb, thankful, yet terrified. I spent most of the day on the phone with Chonny, as together we decided we had to have our kids with us. (Z and M were home, but D and A were at school). Whatever was going to happen, I wanted us to be together. Chonny and I were back on the phone, fearful of whether or not our husbands would be sent off somewhere, trembling each time we heard a plane fly overhead (before airspace was finally cleared), and wishing like heck the President would leave Florida to make us less a target! Eventually, Rodney and Jim were able to come home, we were the fortunate ones. Never will I forget the feeling in my heart and soul that I felt upon the realization of the amount of people killed. Sitting here, I feel it, I need only close my eyes and see the images of that day, and think of each person that lost his/her life, and pray for them and their families.
Remember, reflect. Remember, remember, remember. Our great country goes on. Flawed? Without a doubt. But still we go on, as the greatest free nation in the world.
A moment of silence for the moment of impact of the 2nd plane. I stood, eyes closed. Images of the day flew through my mind. The sick feeling of realization that this was not an accident, it was some kind of attack. I stood here in my living room, wondering how many people stopped for that moment. I am so grateful to God that I could take the moment, a simple minute out of my day, out of my LIFE that thankfully I have.
I'm struggling for the words to explain to Mall what happened that day, to explain it in a way that doesn't terrify her, yet convey the sadness and seriousness of the day. We've been talking, and it seemed sh was picking up on it and processing it. As a matter of fact, she just asked "can we have pancakes since its a special day?". Ah, leave it to children to bring us right back into the present, and right back into joy. ;)
More later, I'm sure.

A funny list for fellow homeschoolers...

For the full list of 25 things, go to:
http://www.secular-homeschooling.com/index.html
Enjoy!

The Bitter Homeschooler's Wish List
By Deborah Markus, from Secular Homeschooling, Issue #1, Fall 2007
*posted with permission*

1 Please stop asking us if it's legal. If it is — and it is — it's insulting to imply that we're criminals. And if we were criminals, would we admit it?
2 Learn what the words "socialize" and "socialization" mean, and use the one you really mean instead of mixing them up the way you do now. Socializing means hanging out with other people for fun. Socialization means having acquired the skills necessary to do so successfully and pleasantly. If you're talking to me and my kids, that means that we do in fact go outside now and then to visit the other human beings on the planet, and you can safely assume that we've got a decent grasp of both concepts.
3 Quit interrupting my kid at her dance lesson, scout meeting, choir practice, baseball game, art class, field trip, park day, music class, 4H club, or soccer lesson to ask her if as a homeschooler she ever gets to socialize.
4 Don't assume that every homeschooler you meet is homeschooling for the same reasons and in the same way as that one homeschooler you know.
5 If that homeschooler you know is actually someone you saw on TV, either on the news or on a "reality" show, the above goes double.
6 Please stop telling us horror stories about the homeschoolers you know, know of, or think you might know who ruined their lives by homeschooling. You're probably the same little bluebird of happiness whose hobby is running up to pregnant women and inducing premature labor by telling them every ghastly birth story you've ever heard. We all hate you, so please go away.
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25 Here's a thought: If you can't say something nice about homeschooling, shut up!

Rodney's New Job

Ahhhhhhhh...that's a sigh of relief. Rodney has a new job, a good one! Its incredibly local, only a mile from where we live, which is TERRIFIC (ya know, I still remember how to spell that by thinking of the goose in Charlotte's Web!), and he likes it, he really likes it! Yes, there's a big hole to dig out of, but we can certainly at least see the sky again. Thanks to everyone who kept us in their thoughts and prayers, and those that did/tried to help with job searching!

Olympics

I just saw the US Womens' rowing team win gold, and cried, again, as our national anthem was played while our glorious flag rose highest in the air. Each and every gold ceremony I've seen, I feel such deep, passionate patriotism. Its the same feeling I get when, on the 4th of July as the fireworks are blazing in the sky, I think about how amazing that hundreds of thousands of other Americans are doing the same thing. Maybe not feeling the love of country in the same way, but still, out and honoring our country. I love the Olympics--the athletes are there because of pure love of their sport, and passion for their country. The skeptic will say not all of them; some are pushed by parents, government, and some aren't proud of the US. I say to the skeptics--sorry you're so sad! Yes, I'm an optimist and a dreamer, I admit it happily! Michael Phelps was beyond anything I could have imagined. I clearly remember Mark Spitz winning in 1972, and that record held for 36 years, to be broken by the child diagnosed with adhd and raised by a single Mom. He broke these unattainable records (as some said....thumbing nose at skeptics), and during interviews, repeatedly was humble beyond description. Last night, as his teammates all fawned over MP, full of praise and love and Phelps-isms, he could only say the same about his teammates. And eight gold medal ceremonies later, still he watched our flag go up with unmistakeable pride. The rowers tonight just really blew me away, it was, to me, a classic show of love of country. Yes, winning gold for the US for the first time in 24 years is and will be incredibly personally satisfying for each of them, but they all only commented on their team and their country. As the National Anthem played, those girls sang their hearts out. Their smiles epitomized to me Olympic Champions. Yes, I do so love my country. Way to go USA!

My favorite quote to say to my children.....

When they say they feel like they're going crazy....

"Of course you're crazy--its genetic!! Embrace it, don't fight it!!"
--Linda Osmun, proud to be the author of that one ;)