Recovering FB Addict

Well, my whole "I'm not gonna get on Facebook" thing, didn't go over as well as I had hoped BUT that fact has made me realize two things.

First, Facebook does have some very good things about it, mainly keeping me connected to my family. Would I prefer a different form of communication? Of course, but when everyone else prefers FB then I need to "do what the Romans do".

Second, I have figured out that Facebook truly does have an "addictive" factor to it. I noticed it seemed very similar to when I was addicted to caffeinated drinks....it's the first thing I want to do in the morning, I have to have it at every meal, I need it before I go to bed, and I can't seem to get enough of it.

Now I know that sounds like I'm trying to be funny but the truth is, that "I need it" factor felt the exact some way the "I need it" factor felt for Pepsi.  Those of you who don't believe you're addicted to either Facebook or Caffeine, I suggest you go without them for a long period of time and see how many moments a day are filled with thoughts of them. If you are true to your own feelings and thoughts, you'll see exactly what I mean.

So, now I am officially labeling myself as a "recovering Facebook addict". I'm not sure how well my detox will go since I still communicate with my family on there. I think what I'm going to do is set some very firm limits that I must follow.

Now, you may think things like limiting the amount of time I'm on there will be on my list, but it won't. I feel that's like only having one cigarette a day....it becomes that much more important and that much more needed!  No, what I'm going to do is put firm boundaries on my thoughts about Facebook (how I view it) and also on my feelings concerning it's importance. 

Over the past little while, I've realized that Facebooking is very time consuming with nothing to show for it. At least with my blog, I create a book from it to keep as a type of history of my life. 

So the question is...Will I still post random thoughts on Facebook...probably.  Will I still read other people's random thoughts...more than likely. Will I begin finding my worth by the amount of "likes" "reposts" and "comments"....I sure hope not! Will I begin comparing my life to the censored posts of others...I better not! Will I remember that reality is in my home & actual life and not in the virtual world...you better believe it!

To Facebook or Not to Facebook...That is the Question

Seriously thinking about not "facebooking" anymore. With all of their new changes and the increase in "lack of privacy", I'm beginning to wonder if it's just best to blog.

So, I think what I've decided to do is just to take a break from Facebook and instead, create short blog posts about what's going on in my life.

After the week, I should know if it's Facebook I'm needing or if it's just "recording my moments".

For my Daddy

Our TJEd Home

I just wanted to announce my new blog that will follow my family while we institute "A Thomas Jefferson Education" in our home!  I feel overly blessed that the Lord has brought this into my life and I'm so grateful that I'm not only able but willing to build our life around it.
CHECK IT OUT!!!  I'm so excited!!!

www.ourtjedhome.blogspot.com

The link is also on the left side of this blog, in my "other blogs" section  :)

My New Camera

I broke my camera a while back and had to get a new one. The first replacement I bought didn't work out so I took it back. I then began looking for the "perfect" camera.  The looking process took longer than I would have wanted it to (the whole...Nikon or Canon thing) BUT in the end, I ended up with a wonderful camera that's perfect for me!! The Nikon D5100... it was just released earlier this month.

My favorite thing about my new camera?  IT TAKES VIDEOS!!! 

Nikon must have been thinking about me when they thought up that feature!

So needless to say, I am now a "whole" person again...just felt like a fish-out-of-water without a camera hanging around my neck!  Hopefully, I won't drop this one!  :)

<3

Something to Think About

"On the first day of school, the little boy waved to his mother and turned to run down the bright hallway to class. His teacher smiled and pointed out his desk. "This is going to be great," he thought. "I love to learn new things."  After a few fun stories, the teacher handed out crayons and paper and announced that it was time to draw a picture. The little boy enthusiastically grabbed the crayons and began to imagine all the things he could draw: moutains, lakes, airplanes, his family, his dog, the ocean, the stars at night...

Hundreds of ideas raced through his creative little mind.

His teacher, seeing that he had started drawing, stopped him and said that today the class would be drawing flowers. The boy's mind again ran wild: daisies, daffodils, roses, carnations, violets, lilacs, pansies, mixed bouquets, green gardens full of rainbows of color...

The teacher again interrupted, informing the class that today they would be drawing a certain kind of flower.

Taking colored chalk, the teacher went to the board and drew a green stem, with two leaves, and four identicle pink petals.  The little boy, eager to please, dutifully copied her drawing.

After several attempts, his drawing looked exactly like hers. The teacher congratulated him for doing such good work.

As the school year passed, the little boy became a very good student; he learned to listen, obey instructions and get the right answers on tests. His parents were very proud of him, and his teacher was impressed with his excellent progress.

When the next school year arrived, the boy had done so well in his classes that he was enrolled in an accelerated program. During the first week of class, the teacher handed out crayons and paper and announced that it was time to draw a picture. The little boy, still in love with art, enthusiastically picked up his crayons and waited for instructions.

After several minutes the teacher noticed that the little boy wasn't drawing. "Why haven't you started?" she asked. "Don't you like to draw?"

"I love to draw," responded the little boy, "but I was waiting for you to tell us what the assignment is."

"Just draw whatever you want," the teacher smiled and left thet little boy to his creativity.

The little boy sat for a long time, watching the minutes tick off the clock and wondering what he should draw. Nothing came to mind.

Finally, in a burst of creative inspiration, he picked up his crayons and began to draw:

A green stem, with two leaves, and four identical pink petals."


The story is indicative of an entire generation of American education, which has been called "the cloning of the American mind."  Fortunately, the tragedy is not complete because many parents across the nation are reaffirming their role in educating their children."

"A Thomas Jefferson Education" by Oliver Van DeMiller



Before someone asks, this is about education in general....public, private & homeschool...in all these arenas "the cloning" might be happening. It's our job, as parents, to ensure it's not happening in the arena we have our children being educated.

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

Today, Hannah wanted to wear the shamrock I made for her 1st St Patrick's Day. Once we found it, I felt guitly that the other kids didn't have one. So inbetween feedings and diaper changes, I finally got them all finished!!  The kids looked so cute in them...I'm glad I made some time to make them!!  Oh, and I also made the flower clips for the twinkies!!

It was a good day!!  :)

Emmalie giving her chubby little smile...too cute!!

Who says us women aren't born multi-taskers? 
Little Ellie shows right here that she can teeth and smile for the camera at the same time!!

Hannah wearing the shamrock pin I made her for her 1st St Patty's Day!!

My handsome little man, Gabers!!  He wasn't about wearing the shamrock but I forced him to for the picture!!
He's such a boy!!



All four miracles!!!   Hmmmmm...not sure what Gabe's doing. I guess he was done with all the picture taking!!

<3