Okay, I live in MI, the state with the highest unemployment rating for the past three years.

If you were our pres. elect, why on earth would you do this?!

It even says in the article, "Although Michigan has led the nation in unemployment for nearly three years, largely because of the ailing auto industry, Granholm was tapped several times by the Obama campaign during the presidential election to speak about the need to create new alternative energy jobs."

Are you kidding me?  As soon as we can afford it, we're moving to another state. Hopefully one that's a little less economically strapped.

Ugh.  Who could be advising this guy on his choices?  Just wait, the entire US of A is doomed to look like MI - unless he's asking her what NOT to do to the economy...

Sorry.  It seems lately this is a political blog.  I don't mean to offend.  We're working on finishing our workbooks every day, and studying a lot of politics and economics here, in addition to the other schoolwork we need to do to pass third grade. ;)

Okay folks, settle down, settle down.  I know  more than anyone he's bad news for conservatives.  I know I labeled him the antichrist.  For all I know, he still is.  However, he's our new commander in chief in a few short months.  While I'm not happy about it, I can rest easy that the majority of the house seems to have shifted in the wee hours of the morning, which means for the bulk of Obama's radical ideas, there is the ability to filibuster.  So the changes that will happen will - hopefully - be for the benefit of the entire nation.

I would like to add a few things here.  He's not the first black president.  I'm not referring to Clinton, either.  There have been at least 2 previous men elected to the presidency who have had a greater percentage of "black blood" if you will, than Obama: Jackson and Lincoln.  Lincoln was actually half black, labelled "passing" back then. I think it's important to not forget our history.  I know these facts were glossed over in the PS history books, and the sheeple chose to believe it - because it's written in a book they had to read.  Let's keep things in perspective.  He's not the first black president, nor will he be the last (unless he screws things up worse than anyone could've predicted.)

The change I would like to see would be in regards to racism.  I don't want to hear from my neighbors how the white man keeps them down.  With a president elected by the majority (landslide, mind you) there can be no doubt that racism from white towards black is not an issue for a majority of people.  (10% of a population can't elect a president on their own, white people had to contribute...)

The same can not be said for the reverse racism.  Ignorant blacks on the news were spouting how they never voted before this election, and have said they are voting for Obama because he's a, "brotha.'"  One woman said that if Obama was elected that she wouldn't have to worry about paying her bills because Obama will spread the wealth around.  I'm not as racist as some, more than others.  I have family and friends who have different skin and cultures than I have.  Certainly.  But I have a definite fear of the ignorance of the blacks in my town.

Obama is elected, he'll look out for the black people... until he's unable to fix our major issues, then - see if I'm not right - his 'white side' will be blamed, he'll be labeled a turncoat (or worse!).  At least in Detroit, that is.

I will stand behind our comander in chief.  I will do so like I did for President George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.  I am an American. (but God help us if Obama's as big of a socialist as I think he is... and there's no way I'm using the American Euro... or getting a tattoo on my wrist or forehead to purchase goods...)

Congratulations on your win, Sen. Obama.  God Bless the American people! (We need it!)

I feel awful not blogging in so long!  I miss my online buddies, my wonderful fellow adventurers, and most of all, my constructive critics!

We've been terribly busy here.  Third grade has so much more material to cover, and we're beginning to be bogged down by the amount of it all.  So much to teach, so much to learn.  I know it doesn't get better, it gets harder, but I'm in it for the long haul.  So if that means I have to not blog as often, that's what it means.  Education in our home trumps my venting online.

With the election only a few more days away, I'm happy to announce that we're as educated as we can be on the issues, candidates, and proposals for our area.  We've already discussed and studied the election procedures so Diana's all ready for the election - if she could vote, that is, lol.  She's got her heart set on the candidate that is not leaning towards socialism.  We discussed his policies of 'sharing the wealth' and what it would mean for the future.

Imagine it:  If you were going to make the same amount of income, no matter what you decided to do (or not do), why would you put any effort or pride in your work or education?  What's the incentive to become a top ranking heart surgeon if you're going to be paid as much as a paperboy? (I know, I know, it's an EXAMPLE, lol)  But you see my point, right?  Why work harder if it means you're giving your hard earned money to someone who isn't working as hard (if at all!)

We're sick of the injustices in the world.  We are getting particularly antsy and increasingly paranoid, clinging to our guns and religion.  I've also speculated to myself that with his titles of "the chosen one" "the messiah" and that insane chanting of his name are all things that are leading to the end of the world.  Of course, I don't mention this to my kids.  That little paranoid slice is from my gut.  I believe the antichrist commeth, and I would have to believe myself insane to vote his direction.  I'm so fed up with the cult following, I wish I COULD vote more than once to cancel out all the crazy people around me.

Imagine that - I'm admitting to paranoia, part of me truly believes he's the antichrist, and I'm calling OTHER people crazy...  I guess that it will all come out with time.  Meanwhile, I'm doing a lot of praying (talking to my imaginary friend - if you're Dr. House, LOL)  I'm doing a lot of meditation, a TON of extra studying on the issues.

My neighbors are all liberal, save the guy next door.  He's usually a democrat, but he's not voting for his ticket as he's afraid of the terrorist connections, and angry about the measures taken on this candidate's website regarding credit saftey checks for donations.  Snoopy could donate to the democratic candidate, Bart Simpson could donate to him.  There's no stop gap measure in place to check that the credit info matches the name given.   We also take issue with the man being for infanticide, and voting that way.

Don't get me wrong.  The republican candidate isn't the pick of the litter exactly, but he's fought for our country, been a POW, chose our country and his men over his personal freedom whilst imprisoned.  He's a tough old nut, and I believe him to be better qualified to lead our country during a time of war.

Enough politics.  I can't debate the issues anymore.  I've been spending time here and there on my local craigslist rants and raves section where all these people are arguing back and forth about why they're voting for whom.  I'm over it.  I want to vote already!

We had a homeschool Halloween party this week, which was a blast.  There were 87 kids there, give or take, a ton of food, lots of games, and lots of like minded individuals who don't judge the decisions you make.  I met a woman, God bless her, who was on a sugar free diet - go girl! - and another who was using cloth diapers.  No one was given funny looks, no one questioned, "golly, why do that to yourself," etc.  It was a relief to be among "friends" even if I didn't know these people beyond the occasional field trip!

Diana ran around happily, there was trick or treating (nut free because of allergies - I gotta say, that's admirable.  Most people these days send those children to PS, forcing the entire general population to have to avoid PB&J and snacks that may contain nuts.  I'm HAPPY to avoid nuts on the days we're getting together because otherwise we'd have to do it DAILY at our local PS!!!) and she had a blast making crafts and things.

We also have some news.  After so much time searching for a job, Volde found another trucking job.  He's not happy with it, but until he finds something else, he's stuck.  We can't afford right now for him to skip any paychecks.  We're still in the hole with our bank! (YIKES!!) and need to pay people back for helping us get through the last 2 months. (THANK YOU EVERYONE! Thank GOD!)

Speaking of God - If I haven't mentioned, I've been suckered into the stewardship committee.  Yeah, I know.  ME! They must be desperate, lol.  However, I was able to use my talents and time to come up with 4 different stewardship letters targeting different types of families and givers for our church.  I had tons of help, lots of good paragraphs from the committee, and they all share credit, but I did the gruntwork.  I edited and compiled and "prettied up" the documents to make them work for the church pledge drive.  They went out already, and I was pleased that I got the letter intended for "people with kids" rather than the one I should've gotten "non-pledgers/non-givers." as I don't exactly give any money, nor pledge any.  We've never had a steady income where we COULD afford to give anything more than the change in our pockets on Sunday, see?  BUT I volunteer all my extra time for things already, and I am the one who does the toddler room Sunday School.  I may not give any cash when it's all said and done, but if I were paid... let's see... what'd be fair for a sunday school teacher's time?  $10 a week?  $40?  I don't know.  Either way, whatever I "make" goes to the church then, in the form of saved costs, so I guess that's where my contribution lies.

I also got called (arm twisted, blackmailed, etc) into the prayer shawl ministry.  I'm currently working on a prayer shawl for homebound parishoner(s).  I don't know who it's going to, I don't really care.  I'm having fun making it, and it's a distraction from the monotony of the other things I need to be doing or making (like Christmas gifts).

This halloween, I made a Brobee hat for Dexter.  I'll upload the photo in a bit.  I messed it up a little, but it's still an adorable hat and he loves it.  He hates to wear it, but loves looking at it, lol.  Brobee is from a show called Yo Gabba Gabba! on Nick Jr and Sprout.  It's a preschool program that we ALL enjoy watching.  It's kind of trippy, kind of funny, and always has catchy tunes or dances we find ourselves doing when it's not even on!  Search "Party in my tummy" on youtube, you'll see what I mean! LOL - way too much fun.

WOW, sorry to be all ADD on you, dear readers.  I guess that's what happens when I don't blog here in FOREVER!!!  I miss you all, and hope to get to reading more blogs verys soon!!!

Another change of subject: notice on the wall behind the "model" is our anatomy poster, and other school posters, haha!  Can you tell we're homeschoolers? That's our LR!!!

(((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))

Today was a review day.  We reviewed 2nd grade concepts for fun, Diana did a bunch of her jumpstart computer games.

I mowed the lawn, cleaned up the Sunday School Room because it was nasty.  I used the church's large, janitorial push broom, and old fashioned mop with the cotton strings - it was wild!  After disinfecting the nasties from the tables and chairs and floor coverings (foam mats hold goo like you won't believe!).  Basically everything in there can now be touched without fear of nasty toddler goobers.  I don't know when it was cleaned last, but I spent a good 2 hours there just cleaning!  THEN, I had 2 meetings at the church.  I was at church for like four hours just cleaning and doing meeting stuff!

I'm tired.  I have yet to plan tomorrow's school plans.  I have good stuff to write about next time, and if I forget, it has to do with Volde's new job and how wonderful it's going to be, but I can't see straight right now...

I don't remember if I posted it here before, but we used to have a dog named Bella.  She was just too high energy for our household, and it wasn't a good fit, as much as we tried to make it work.  The baby's arrival was the catalyst that we ended up needing to realize Bella needed a new home.

I was picky about who she went to, and found a fellow homeschooler to take her in.  They promised to give updates, and let us watch her when they were out of town - which they've done, and it's been wonderful.  Until today.

Bella came to us last night, and I was told they were having a "little problem" with fleas.  What I didn't realize is the only thing they were doing to "help" was clip her coat shorter.  Her claws and dewclaws were all overgrown, and her "unmentionables" hadn't been emptied and were pretty full.  Now, normally, one goes to the vet to get the glands emptied, or the groomer, or something, right?  I am second guessing this family now.  With what I had to do to get my old baby/ their baby COMFORTABLE, I am worried.

I am hoping it's just a matter of a little education.  I am angry enough to take her back, but I know they love her.  The family has called already to see how Bella was doing (before I noticed the 5 fleas just on her TAIL!!!) and I said, "fine."

Anyone out there gifted with words enough to help me say what I need to say?  Should I say something like, "I noticed her nails were long, so I trimmed them up a bit.  You have to watch they don't get that long, because they change the way her foot hits the floor and can cause at worst a sprained leg.  Also, the "little" flea problem was a bit bigger than I was led to believe, so I gave her a flea bath.  You have a week from when I bathed her to flea bomb the house and yard or it'll be a year-round struggle."  Should I continue with something like, "If you're having trouble with her care, let me know and we'll work something out.  I can help with the glands and the nails, but if you have flea problems this bad and can't afford the flea meds, perhaps we can help with a portion of the cost."???

I don't know.  Maybe I'm too cynical, but I think offering to help with the cost will make me an "all day sucker" and they'll just use me for the flea meds.  On the other hand, I love Bella still, too, and HATE to think of her suffering all those flea bites all the time. (This dog sleeps in the girl's BED!!! EWWWWWW!!!)

I don't know what to do.  I have to go de-flea the laundry room and upstairs area now.  Happy Friday everyone!