Yes, I'm searching for the camera. I promise I'll take pictures as soon as I find the thing.
Baby Grace has officially entered the Toddler World!
We've been waiting for her to figure out how to balance on her own two feet without holding on to the furniture (or us). She grasped that concept two days ago. Then she knocked our socks off by taking her first steps just one day later. Yep. That was last night.
She's still shaky on her feet (the steps are closer to a controlled fall in my opinion) but she's so pleased with herself and determined to "walk" that she keeps getting back up and taking off.
Not that I compare my kids often, but she has officially beaten the walking record around our house. Ammon held the record at 9 months 3 days. Grace is 8 months and 25 days old. Yikes! And I was thinking she'd be a late bloomer. Looks like the joke's on me.
Questions I Wish Others Would Ask Me, and One I Wish They Wouldn't
Not much has been happening around my house, especially since I have been spending my nights tucked away inside the local grocery store office, so today I sat down and wanted to WRITE. I should be working on my new mansucript (which, for those who care, involves a boy named after Chinese food, old sailing ships used for interstellar travel, and robots that have turned into pirates) but I also wanted to send y'all an update.
But, as I have already said, not much has been happening around here. So I thought I would take some time to answer those questions I wish people would ask me but never do.
QUESTION #1: I want to be just like you. How do I start?
ANSWER: I'm so glad you idolize me, but, really, you shouldn't. If you are bent on being just like me, however, I recommend doing the following: 1) read lots and lots of books, at the expense of housework, adult conversation, and responsible child care; 2) spend copious amounts of time surfing the internet for just the right homeschool curriculum for the kids, and make sure to do this weekly since you'll need to change curricula at least that often in order to keep everyone going; 3) Stay up well past midnight on at least 3 separate occasions per week to spend time typing up the most fantastical and completely fictitious stories that may or may not grace the shelves of Barnes and Noble at some future date; and 4) juggle three blogs, take in a part-time job, homeschool your kids full-time, volunteer as cubmaster for a local cub scout pack, attend church weekly, nurse a baby, and find a few minutes to sleep each 24-hour period.
QUESTION #2: I love your hair. How do you get it to look like it does?
ANSWER: Oh, this hair? It's nothing, really. I'm surprised you noticed at all. I use only the best hair care products and tools donated by my hairstylist (thanks, Dad-in-law!), and I spend at least three minutes every day making sure it doesn't resemble Albert Einstein's 'do--I love the man's genius, but his hair leaves a lot to be desired.
QUESTION #3: You are the most talented writer I have ever met. What is your secret?
ANSWER: Oh, please, I'm nothing of the sort. But I'm so glad you enjoy my work enough to believe in me. My secret is XX XXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXX XXXXXXX X XXX XXXX XXXX XXX. (NOTE: Sorry I couldn't let you read that. It's a secret.)
There is one question I get all the time, however, that I wish people would stop asking me. I am going to attempt to answer that question below in the hopes that people will stop asking me so I can get on with my life. (I can dream, can't I?)
QUESTION: Why did you choose to homeschool?
ANSWER: This is a remarkably complex question, and that is because there is always a statement hidden behind the question. These statements range from, "I'm intrigued. Tell me more so I can see if homeschooling could work for my family." to "That seems like a big job. Tell me more so I can be grateful I don't have to have that much work to do." to "You are screwing up your children's lives, and I want to know what makes you think you are qualified to give them a decent education." Hopefully, the following story will take care of all of you.
I didn't choose homeschooling at first. But one day, when I was contemplating what preschool to choose for Ammon (this was back in, oh, 2001 I think), a strong impression came to me that homeschooling him was the answer to the "problems" we were facing with him. I use the word "problems" though they really weren't at the time, but we knew they could easily become problems once he was in a traditional school setting.
At first I was appalled, homeschoolers were WEIRD and I didn't want to have anything to do with them. But that impression stayed, and I spent many hours in prayer over the decision. In the end, Greg and I decided it was what Ammon needed and what the Lord wanted for our family.
I was nervous about letting the family know. I come from a very traditional family that places learning above all else, so I knew this decision would be met with much surprise and plenty of trepidation. But we forged ahead anyway. Some family members were very supportive, but I knew many didn't agree with our decision. Wisely, they remained silent about their opinion, however. I think most believed it was a passing fancy and I would quickly tire of it and the kids would be back where they belonged.
But we have been homeschooling ever since. I know there are some in my family who still doubt that this decision was a wise one. There are days when I agree with them. But all I can say is that I have prayerfully considered their concerns and my own, and I know this is where my children need to be. There are some subjects my kids struggle with--and they may not be on the same level as their public school peers--but I am intimately aware of these issues and we work on them daily. I have seen tremendous breakthroughs that I am certain would have never happened if my children had been shoved into a classroom with 30+ other students and one teacher. Now, I'm not saying public school is bad. Many children thrive in that environment. I wish mine did. But they don't. And so we homeschool.
It's not easy, there are bad days (and weeks, and sometimes even months) but it is also one of most exhilarating, fulfilling and humbling experiences I have been privileged to participate in.
So, why did I choose to homeschool? I didn't, really. God chose for me, but in hindsight it was one of His brighter ideas. Though my children are far from perfect, I can see how homeschooling has prepared them far better than public school ever could have. And I'm grateful I was brought along for the ride.
But, as I have already said, not much has been happening around here. So I thought I would take some time to answer those questions I wish people would ask me but never do.
QUESTION #1: I want to be just like you. How do I start?
ANSWER: I'm so glad you idolize me, but, really, you shouldn't. If you are bent on being just like me, however, I recommend doing the following: 1) read lots and lots of books, at the expense of housework, adult conversation, and responsible child care; 2) spend copious amounts of time surfing the internet for just the right homeschool curriculum for the kids, and make sure to do this weekly since you'll need to change curricula at least that often in order to keep everyone going; 3) Stay up well past midnight on at least 3 separate occasions per week to spend time typing up the most fantastical and completely fictitious stories that may or may not grace the shelves of Barnes and Noble at some future date; and 4) juggle three blogs, take in a part-time job, homeschool your kids full-time, volunteer as cubmaster for a local cub scout pack, attend church weekly, nurse a baby, and find a few minutes to sleep each 24-hour period.
QUESTION #2: I love your hair. How do you get it to look like it does?
ANSWER: Oh, this hair? It's nothing, really. I'm surprised you noticed at all. I use only the best hair care products and tools donated by my hairstylist (thanks, Dad-in-law!), and I spend at least three minutes every day making sure it doesn't resemble Albert Einstein's 'do--I love the man's genius, but his hair leaves a lot to be desired.
QUESTION #3: You are the most talented writer I have ever met. What is your secret?
ANSWER: Oh, please, I'm nothing of the sort. But I'm so glad you enjoy my work enough to believe in me. My secret is XX XXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXX XXXXXXX X XXX XXXX XXXX XXX. (NOTE: Sorry I couldn't let you read that. It's a secret.)
There is one question I get all the time, however, that I wish people would stop asking me. I am going to attempt to answer that question below in the hopes that people will stop asking me so I can get on with my life. (I can dream, can't I?)
QUESTION: Why did you choose to homeschool?
ANSWER: This is a remarkably complex question, and that is because there is always a statement hidden behind the question. These statements range from, "I'm intrigued. Tell me more so I can see if homeschooling could work for my family." to "That seems like a big job. Tell me more so I can be grateful I don't have to have that much work to do." to "You are screwing up your children's lives, and I want to know what makes you think you are qualified to give them a decent education." Hopefully, the following story will take care of all of you.
I didn't choose homeschooling at first. But one day, when I was contemplating what preschool to choose for Ammon (this was back in, oh, 2001 I think), a strong impression came to me that homeschooling him was the answer to the "problems" we were facing with him. I use the word "problems" though they really weren't at the time, but we knew they could easily become problems once he was in a traditional school setting.
At first I was appalled, homeschoolers were WEIRD and I didn't want to have anything to do with them. But that impression stayed, and I spent many hours in prayer over the decision. In the end, Greg and I decided it was what Ammon needed and what the Lord wanted for our family.
I was nervous about letting the family know. I come from a very traditional family that places learning above all else, so I knew this decision would be met with much surprise and plenty of trepidation. But we forged ahead anyway. Some family members were very supportive, but I knew many didn't agree with our decision. Wisely, they remained silent about their opinion, however. I think most believed it was a passing fancy and I would quickly tire of it and the kids would be back where they belonged.
But we have been homeschooling ever since. I know there are some in my family who still doubt that this decision was a wise one. There are days when I agree with them. But all I can say is that I have prayerfully considered their concerns and my own, and I know this is where my children need to be. There are some subjects my kids struggle with--and they may not be on the same level as their public school peers--but I am intimately aware of these issues and we work on them daily. I have seen tremendous breakthroughs that I am certain would have never happened if my children had been shoved into a classroom with 30+ other students and one teacher. Now, I'm not saying public school is bad. Many children thrive in that environment. I wish mine did. But they don't. And so we homeschool.
It's not easy, there are bad days (and weeks, and sometimes even months) but it is also one of most exhilarating, fulfilling and humbling experiences I have been privileged to participate in.
So, why did I choose to homeschool? I didn't, really. God chose for me, but in hindsight it was one of His brighter ideas. Though my children are far from perfect, I can see how homeschooling has prepared them far better than public school ever could have. And I'm grateful I was brought along for the ride.
You Know You're a Writer If...
...you go to the very first day of training at your new job and, as you read the training material, you wish you had a red pen to fix all of the typos you find.
I started training for my part-time job this week. The training was very basic and very easy, though the evening management was unprepared for me. Apparently the hiring manager forgot to mention to any evening management that I was coming in for training. Oops. But they took it in stride and worked me in, anyway.
I technically finished the online and book training yesterday, though the online training mentioned I was supposed to spend 1/2 hour practicing register skills at a closed register. But since I wasn't dressed for the floor (I wasn't in official uniform) they didn't want me out there. Plus they were too busy to work me in. And since my job isn't working the registers, I don't think they were in a huge hurry to make sure I knew them. My job is the MONEY.
Tonight I am supposed to follow some guy around as he shows me what my real job will be. The online training only taught customer service and the register. Tonight will be the first time I will get to see what I'll really be doing. For the most part I will be doing daily bookkeeping for the store (closing out registers at the end of the day, etc.). At least, I think that is what I'm doing. So far this place has been really vague about my job description. They also said I would most likely cross train in the video department (since it is adjacent to the office). We'll see how it turns out tonight.
But as for the training material, I really did find a few places where there were typos, and I really wanted to point them out to someone. How sorry is that?! Luckily for the company, no one was around for me to tell. Oh well. I wasn't hired for my editing skills, and I doubt anyone really cares about a few misspelled words.
But I really did have the urge to circle them with a big, fat, red pen. Yes, I need therapy.
I started training for my part-time job this week. The training was very basic and very easy, though the evening management was unprepared for me. Apparently the hiring manager forgot to mention to any evening management that I was coming in for training. Oops. But they took it in stride and worked me in, anyway.
I technically finished the online and book training yesterday, though the online training mentioned I was supposed to spend 1/2 hour practicing register skills at a closed register. But since I wasn't dressed for the floor (I wasn't in official uniform) they didn't want me out there. Plus they were too busy to work me in. And since my job isn't working the registers, I don't think they were in a huge hurry to make sure I knew them. My job is the MONEY.
Tonight I am supposed to follow some guy around as he shows me what my real job will be. The online training only taught customer service and the register. Tonight will be the first time I will get to see what I'll really be doing. For the most part I will be doing daily bookkeeping for the store (closing out registers at the end of the day, etc.). At least, I think that is what I'm doing. So far this place has been really vague about my job description. They also said I would most likely cross train in the video department (since it is adjacent to the office). We'll see how it turns out tonight.
But as for the training material, I really did find a few places where there were typos, and I really wanted to point them out to someone. How sorry is that?! Luckily for the company, no one was around for me to tell. Oh well. I wasn't hired for my editing skills, and I doubt anyone really cares about a few misspelled words.
But I really did have the urge to circle them with a big, fat, red pen. Yes, I need therapy.
It's Off To Work I Go
Funds have been pretty scarce around here, so a few weeks ago we decided it would probably be a good idea if I found a part-time job.
So I did.
It's nothing glamorous, just some office work for Safeway (yes, the grocery store). Yesterday was my first official day of work, though I spent it in a hot, cramped, closet-sized room upstairs watching orientation videos/slideshows on the Internet. I learned a lot and left with only a few questions. The most important one was, "Does this store have a drinking fountain?" That room was w-a-r-m, warm!
The only thing I am unhappy about is the fact that I will be losing some of my writing time. But I can't complain. At least this job I get paid for. So far I've only earned $140 in my entire career as a freelance writer. For more up-to-date information on my very glamorous writing career, check out my writing blog (elissadcruz.livejournal.com). Sorry. I couldn't help the shameless plug there.
And in case you were wondering, no, I do not get a discount on my groceries. Too bad, huh. That could have saved me a small fortune.
So I did.
It's nothing glamorous, just some office work for Safeway (yes, the grocery store). Yesterday was my first official day of work, though I spent it in a hot, cramped, closet-sized room upstairs watching orientation videos/slideshows on the Internet. I learned a lot and left with only a few questions. The most important one was, "Does this store have a drinking fountain?" That room was w-a-r-m, warm!
The only thing I am unhappy about is the fact that I will be losing some of my writing time. But I can't complain. At least this job I get paid for. So far I've only earned $140 in my entire career as a freelance writer. For more up-to-date information on my very glamorous writing career, check out my writing blog (elissadcruz.livejournal.com). Sorry. I couldn't help the shameless plug there.
And in case you were wondering, no, I do not get a discount on my groceries. Too bad, huh. That could have saved me a small fortune.
The Primary Circus--Er, I Mean Program
Today was our Primary Program during Sacrament Meeting, but I have to admit that is was the most entertaining program I've seen yet. There are two reasons why.
THE FIRST REASON: The actual script was hysterical, and there were more than one child that really hammed up their role. For example, Ben's class each had a part that began with "What if..." and ended in various scenarios. One boy went on about what if he had the best batch of brownies in the world and didn't share them. This boy licked his lips and went on and on about his tasty, warm, gooey brownie that he wasn't going to share with ANYONE.
One girl talked about how she could show her love for the Savior by being nice to the babysitter so her parents could go on a date.
THE SECOND REASON: Kids will be kids, and these kids were a hoot. For example, while one brother and sister were singing a duet together, the brother decided to play with the microphone. He grabbed it and moved it around (and he's not a little kid, he's 8). His little sister sent daggers at him with her eyes and moved it back toward herself.
One girl on the front row kept winking and sending a thumbs up sign to the audience. She'd even stop singing to do it.
One boy said his part and then finished with, "Now I'll go sit down and stop talking."
It never seems as funny on paper, but it was hard to get through the entire program without busting up with laughter. There were three teen girls directly behind us that couldn't do it. They laughed through the whole program.
Ammon, Ben and Daniel did a great job on their parts. Ben had remarkably clear diction and had his part memorized. Ammon did, too. Ammon was especially nervous because he wrote his part himself and I think he was a bit afraid to share his innermost feelings with so many people. But he did a great job. Daniel needed a little help on his, but I have to admit his was very long and not easy to say.
Ammon sang really well and paid attention. So did Ben. Daniel, feeling a bit overwhelmed at all the adults looking at him, frowned through the entire program. Not a smile, not a song, nothing left his lips (except for his part, of course). He told me later that he didn't want to do it again. He was tired of it and scared. Poor kid. He was thrilled when I told him it was over. I didn't have the heart to tell him he'll be back at it next year.
And Elizabeth even participated. They had the nursery kids come up for the last song and sing the first verse (It was "I am a Child of God"). It took Elizabeth until verse three to finally sing the chorus. At first she just looked around in confusion. One of the nursery leaders had a microphone that he kept shoving in front of one nursery child at a time. Once the little kids wizened up they would screech or yell out once the mic got in front of them ("blaaahhhh!" was heard more than "lead me, guide me").
It was a fun program. A little chaotic, but a whole lot of fun. Don't you just love little kids?!
THE FIRST REASON: The actual script was hysterical, and there were more than one child that really hammed up their role. For example, Ben's class each had a part that began with "What if..." and ended in various scenarios. One boy went on about what if he had the best batch of brownies in the world and didn't share them. This boy licked his lips and went on and on about his tasty, warm, gooey brownie that he wasn't going to share with ANYONE.
One girl talked about how she could show her love for the Savior by being nice to the babysitter so her parents could go on a date.
THE SECOND REASON: Kids will be kids, and these kids were a hoot. For example, while one brother and sister were singing a duet together, the brother decided to play with the microphone. He grabbed it and moved it around (and he's not a little kid, he's 8). His little sister sent daggers at him with her eyes and moved it back toward herself.
One girl on the front row kept winking and sending a thumbs up sign to the audience. She'd even stop singing to do it.
One boy said his part and then finished with, "Now I'll go sit down and stop talking."
It never seems as funny on paper, but it was hard to get through the entire program without busting up with laughter. There were three teen girls directly behind us that couldn't do it. They laughed through the whole program.
Ammon, Ben and Daniel did a great job on their parts. Ben had remarkably clear diction and had his part memorized. Ammon did, too. Ammon was especially nervous because he wrote his part himself and I think he was a bit afraid to share his innermost feelings with so many people. But he did a great job. Daniel needed a little help on his, but I have to admit his was very long and not easy to say.
Ammon sang really well and paid attention. So did Ben. Daniel, feeling a bit overwhelmed at all the adults looking at him, frowned through the entire program. Not a smile, not a song, nothing left his lips (except for his part, of course). He told me later that he didn't want to do it again. He was tired of it and scared. Poor kid. He was thrilled when I told him it was over. I didn't have the heart to tell him he'll be back at it next year.
And Elizabeth even participated. They had the nursery kids come up for the last song and sing the first verse (It was "I am a Child of God"). It took Elizabeth until verse three to finally sing the chorus. At first she just looked around in confusion. One of the nursery leaders had a microphone that he kept shoving in front of one nursery child at a time. Once the little kids wizened up they would screech or yell out once the mic got in front of them ("blaaahhhh!" was heard more than "lead me, guide me").
It was a fun program. A little chaotic, but a whole lot of fun. Don't you just love little kids?!
