Speaking from the Heart

Our honeymoon cottage was our first home. We lived there for 11 years. In lieu of a honeymoon, we used the money as a down-payment on our first home. We found our first home two days after our wedding. We based the price of the house on one income. Three days into our search, we found an "as-is" house on five acres . When we walked inside, we noticed holes on the doors and walls, broken windows, and trash everywhere. Prince Charming fell in love with it instantly. I, on the other hand, was trying to find reasons why we shouldn't buy the house. Being close to his office, which is five miles down the road, was the only positive thing I could think of. Noticing the frown on my face, Prince Charming knew I wasn't happy. He finally convinced me that the house had "potential". We signed the contract on the house, and moved in November. Thru out the ten years we lived there, we were constantly renovating. As a matter of fact, the last base board was put in two days before we moved to Sarasota in October 2002.

Did you go on a honeymoon? Where? On the other hand, Are you like me, Mrs. Practical? Did you use your money for something else, besides a honeymoon? Do you own a home ? How did you find your first home? Are you still living in the same house? Tell us about it on your blog. Come back and link it to Mr. Linky.

Can you believe Monday will be the second day of February? Returning from a Christmas vacation, were you able to return to your homeschooling routine? Because we were off for more than a month, we had a hard time of getting back into the groove. I can't say that the kids were the only one who didn't have a good attitude about school. I am just as guilty. My heart wasn't in it. It obviously showed through my actions, and what I allowed my kids to get away with in their assignments. I purposely spent less time blogging this week, and focused my time on teaching. It has made a big difference in my attitude.

Besides helping The Inquisitor with his homework, this will be the last semester that I will be teaching him. He has been accepted to International Baccalaureate (IB) program. He will start 9th grade at the high school. Meanwhile, he will be finishing up his biology and algebra 2 at home. Hopefully, he'll get the high school credit for algebra 2. Because he will get college credit for biology, he will repeat the course in the tenth grade. Over the summer, he will have a list of literature that he has to read, before schools starts in August. As a mom and a teacher, I am preparing him to be more accountable for his assignments. For the next few months, I am more stringent to his assignment deadline. If he doesn't get it done by that time, there will a penalty (i.e. no Playstation 3 time, no fun church activities, etc.).

After my attitude adjustment, I am more prepared to teach Minnie. She still wants to do work on her own and move on. I allow her to do that to certain extent, but I am also requiring her to go over history, science, and reading with me. We will be concentrating on writing this semester. We used Pudewa's Writing Intensive Program last year. We will resume where we left off. Minnie is also reading The Fairy Chronicles series. I am so happy that she, someone who doesn't like to read, is devouring these books.

The purpose of "I Remember When" Meme is to document your life story , while the memory is still fresh and to leave something behind for future generations.

I finally finished college (August 1989) . It took me 6 years, but I did it ! Although I had an electrical engineering degree and engineers were in demand, I was unemployed for several months. Looking back, I was probably delaying my transition into adulthood. LOL, I was 25, I have never lived on my own, and what I had at Mom's and Dad's house was pretty good. Why did I want to get a job and become a responsible adult?

By Christmas, I couldn't delay my adulthood any longer. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)offered me a job in Springcity. With an incoming fixed salary, I bought a 1990 Toyota Corolla and braved myself to start a new chapter of my life. However, there was a minor problem. I didn't have a place to live.

After Christmas, Mom and I searched for a rental home/apartment in Springcity. When we didn't have any luck, we went to a nearby town called Sweetwater. In Sweetwater, we found Barbara, a beautician who rented rooms to TVA employees. Mom didn't think it was safe for me to live with bunch of strangers, let alone share a bathroom. After explaining to Barbara that it was my first time away from home, she offered me her basement, which had no windows and one exit. The basement had 2 bedrooms, a bath, a kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a den. The rent was only $400.00 per month plus utility. I could have had a phone line added to the contract. Since I talked to my dear husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, every night for hours, I convinced Barbara to add an extra phone line. It's sad to admit it, but my phone bills were often higher than my rent.

Mom and I returned to Alabama to pack my belongings. When we returned to Sweetwater a couple days later, Mom helped me unload, made curtains for the front French doors, and made sure I had plenty of food to eat.

It was hard saying good-bye to Mom on that Sunday morning. Now that The Inquisitor is 4 years away from college and I have already started to feel the affect of an empty nest. I can imagine the emptiness Mom must have felt leaving me, her first born. I am sure her sadness deepened, as her mind wandered back 18 years, when she said good-bye to my grandma before venturing to America .

Mom cried on and off all the way home. For a woman who " shops until she drops", she must have been very sad, because she drove pass the Birmingham Galleria. For those who knows my mom, you know mom never passes up an outlet or a mall.

When did you move out of your parents' home? Were you ready for the world? Did you have a job? Were you scared to be on your own? How did your parents handle you moving away? Post it on your blog, come back and link it to Mr. Linky.

Another week flew by so quickly. We accomplished more this week than last week. The Inquisitor has 7 more modules in Apologia Biology. He finished module check up on Friday. He will be spending Saturday working on Module 9 Study Guide. Before his co-op class on Tuesday afternoon, he'll take the test. Although his teacher doesn't assign him module review nor the study guide, I am making him do it. I want to make sure he is grasping the information.

Algebra 2 is getting harder. He is working with quadratic equation, sine, cosine, tangent, and imaginary numbers. So far, I have been able to help him. It is a review of my college math courses. My goal is for him to finish with algebra 2, before starting high school in the fall. Most likely, we will still be doing algebra problems through out the summer.

The main goal for this week was getting Minnie caught up in her history. She had read the chapters, but was 3 tests behind. Looking over her tests, I realize that we need to work more with geography. She continues to do well in math. Right now, she is working with fractions and least/greatest common factor.

Minnie continues to show her independence by wanting to work alone. I am grateful for her independence. The problem is by the end of the day, I am too tired to go over the work. I say we will do it the next day. However, it doesn't happen often, because she wants to get her daily work done before she and I have our discussion. This has become a cycle , which I am hoping to nip it in the bud soon.

Scenerio I :

A. You didn't care for his opinion. It is your hair. you are the one who has to take care of it.

B. You value his opinion, because he is the one who has to look at you. You realize that it is not that much trouble to put up your hair everyday, if that pleases your hubby.

Scenerio II:

A. Accept the invitation without talking it over with your spouse.

B. Knowing that your hubby doesn't like to be entertained or be the entertainer, you decline and explain to your hostess why you can't come.

How did you do? Are you honoring and respecting your spouse? I have learned that to be an effective witness to Prince Charming, this is the one area I must give 100%.

We spent Thanksgiving 2005 with Mom, my sister, and brother- in-law in Alabama. After a big meal, we drove to the hospital to visit dad. He had his left leg amputated a couple of days before, and was waiting for a room at the VA hospital. His diabetes and health has gotten worse, and Mom could no longer take care of him .

When we arrived at the hospital, we gathered around his bed. Although he was weak, he worked up enough energy to play with The Inqusitor and Minnie. Seeing how weak he was, I sensed that this could be the last time I see him.

When we returned home that night, I decided to tell The Inqisitor, who was five years old at the time, about Grandpa's sacrificial love, marrying grandma, and raising her two daughters. I wanted The Inquisitor to have the opportunity to say, "thank you, grandpa for loving grandma and my mom."

Prince Charming also was raised by a stepdad. For many years, he chose not to tell our kids about their paternal grandpa. They were too young or there was never the right time. I, on they other hand, wanted him to tell them ASAP. I remember how hurt The Inquisitor was, when he found out about my dad. I didn't want the same episode.

Over the years, I expressed (maybe nag is a better word)to Prince Charming that he should tell The Inquisitor and Minnie about his stepdad . When he gave me an excuse, I prayed about it. I tried to put the situation in God's hands; however, I often tried to hurry God. I wanted Him to do it according to my time, not His. I have improved over the years, but I still have a long way to go.

As I was cleaning the school room (May 2oo7), I overheard The Inquisitor reading "Ask Marilyn". The question was " If you found out that the man, whom you know all of your life, is not your dad, would you love him any less?"

Prince Charming took this opportunity to ask the kids the same question. The kids said that their love for the man will not change. Prince Charming paused for a minute, looked at both kids, and told them about his stepdad, who is still alive and is loved by his grandkids.

Before your husband, or your first boy friend, who was that special man in your life? For those who still have their biological parents living under the same roof, Praise God. What do you remember about him? Post it on your blog. come back and link it to Mr. Linky.

Some of you might have had a stepdad who raised you. What did you call him? What makes him special? How did he show you his loves? Post it, return and leave me a comment. I would love to read your "I Remember When..." Mr. Linky is down today. However, once he is up and running, I will link your story to it.

Both kids got their braces this week. Between trips to the orthodontist and constant pain, The Inquisitor and Minnie managed to complete their schoolwork. Instead of taking off on Monday, we took off Friday. A friend and I took our daughters to the pottery, while our sons stayed at the house and played games on Playstation 3.

Minnie continues with her work from last semester. She finished Daily Grams, and will be starting Shurley English on Monday. The Inquisitor has kept up with Apologia Biology Co-op. Although he will be retaking biology in the 10th grade (IB program), I am making him finish the course. He is halfway completing algebra 2. My goal is for him to finish the course before starting high school in the fall. Besides the two courses, he is doing lessons in Rod & Staff English/grammar. Sometimes I think I am not giving him enough lesson. However, when I see how much time he spends on biology, I realize he has plenty to do.

Things should show down some this week. Maybe we can get more things accomplished

Each Tuesday, Marsha is also posting

that is connected to our focus word and how we can apply it to our lives and hopefully inspire those around us.

This week's focus Legacy Moments is peace. What is Peace? According to Marsha,

Peace basically falls under two categories. Peace with God and the Peace of God. Peace with God, as found in Romans 5:1 is that saving promise of deliverance. That peace that sets us as one with Him. We had been broken off from fellowship with Him because of the sinful nature of man. But God desires to be a peace with us, to be set at one again; like a setting a broken bone. Peace with God is His saving promise to deliver us from the eternal consequence of sin, the message known as the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15 and Acts 10:36.) .......

Click on the Legacy Moments clipart to find out how Marsha applies a life of peace so that others would desire it.

Happy Birthday, my Prince Charming. It is hard to believe that you were 28 when we met. My, how time flies. It has been a blissful 21.5 years. I am looking for many more birthdays together.

Do you remember our first date? We went to Pizza Hut during our study break. Even though you didn't have any food in the fridge, you insisted that I take the remainder of the pizza home.

What about the time you met my parents? We had been going out for a month, and I had not introduced you to Mom and Dad. Dad sensed we were getting serious, and he was concerned about my future with you. Now that you have a daughter, do you understand why it was important for Dad to meet you?

You finally agreed to come over for dinner. After eating Mom's Mongolian Beef, Beef and Broccoli, and fried rice, you realized that no Chinese restaurant will ever come close to Mom's cooking. One more thing, Dad liked you from the start.

My most memorable date with you was when you were 3 hours late. You had been up all night cramming for a test. You went home to take a short nap after the exam. When you woke up, you realized that it was 9:00 P.M. You called to apologized and drove 30 minutes to Mom and Dad's house for a short visit.

It seems like summer of 1987, when we met, was yesterday. You and I have come a long way. However one thing has not change is my love for you. I love you more today than yesterday, but less than tomorrow.

I must have fallen asleep. Before I knew it, Mom and Dad were standing next to my bed, wishing me a happy birthday. They led me to the backyard, where a 2-ft. swimming pool awaits for me.

Sister and I had a ball swimming in the pool all day long. The only thing that topped the swimming pool was Mom serving us crab for lunch.

What was your memoriable birthday? What do you remember about your younger years?

Then They Do by Trace Adkins summarizes my life. My kids are growing faster than I want. LOL, is there a way to stop this merry-go-around?

Although The Inquisitor will not be starting high school until August 2009, my silent tears have already begun. In the fall, I can see myself waving good bye to him and crying at the same time, like I did when he started pre-kindergarten 9 years ago. I can't help but to think that the next four years will be flying by.

Click clip art for more Then Sings My Souls Saturday.

After being off for more than a month, it was hard to get restarted. We didn't have school Monday, because we were still recouperating from our trip to Alabama. Since Prince Charming didn't have to return to work until Wednesday, I thought about not having school on Tuesday either. After thinking it over, and realizing that we have to adjust to the shock of being back in school, I decided to have class on Tuesday after all.

Like the kids, I am so burned out. A month off didn't help either, because we were so busy that I didn't feel like I got any rest (LOL, give me some bread with this whine). Regardless of how I feel, We are heading forward. My goal is for The Inquisitor to finish algebra 2 and biology, before he goes to Southeast High School in the fall. Besides algebra 2 and biology, he is also finishing up grammar. Three courses seem such a light load; therefore, I am adding a couple of courses to his load. Minnie continues where she left off in December. Her math skills have improved, but we're still need to work on spelling.

We are not running around as much this semester. My goal is to spend more time at home and less time on the road. For more Weekly Homeschool Report, click on the Clip art.

I finally received a reimbursement check from State Farm. About a year ago, a truck backed into my car in the Wal-mart parking lot. The police showed up to write up the report. It wasn't an official accident report, because it happened on a private property. The other party was very cooperative when the policeman was present. When he told what had happened, it coincided with my story. However, he completely changed his story after I contacted his insurance company.

Frustrated with the whole thing, I took it upon myself to tell his insurance company that he was lieing. When his insurance company refused to believe me, I screamed and yelled at her. After she told me that she was just doing her job, and that I had no reason to scream, I hung up.

As I tried to calm myself down, I stared at the beautiful blue sky, and Romans 12:9 ( Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord.) rattled in my head. A feeling of calmness suddenly overcame me, as I told God that it was in His hands and not in mine.

I am thankful it is not my job to take revenge on people who had hurt me.

I am a Vietnamese descendent. I have been in the United States for 37 years. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I do not know the history of the Vietnam War. Not until New Year’s Eve 2008, I didn’t know anything about the Tet Massacre (January 31, 1968). My son, a historian buff, probably knows about it. Remembering the fall of Vietnam is too painful for me. Although grandmother has passed away for more than 20 years, the guilt of leaving her behind still lingers.

The Tet Massacre was the turning point of the war, but it also had an impact on my family. Mom was adjusting to mothering a 3 year old and a 6 week old infant. She pled with my biological dad not to go off to war. However, he felt it was his duty to serve his country.

While there was chaos surrounding us, Mom kept a normal routine at home, and patiently waited for dad’s return. After 45 days and he never came home, she went searching for him. According to his commander, he never made it to the base.

Did a member of your family serve in the military? How did it affect you? If it’s not a war story, what is your story? What do you remember about your childhood? Post it on your blog, return and link it to Mr. Linky.