tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354512982024-03-13T12:54:54.119-04:00Trivium AcademyJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.comBlogger672125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-7771901559672738032011-02-23T18:57:00.000-05:002011-02-23T18:57:48.358-05:00What's Popular HereBlogger has gotten pretty cool since I started this blog. The predesigned blog designs are more vast and varied
and there was a time that a 3 column blog was rare.<br />
<br />
Here's Trivium Academy's most popular posts<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr align="left"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBON" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="380px"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBHO GK43L3BBP"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="gwt-HTML">
<div class="GK43L3BBIO">
<a class="GK43L3BBEO" href="http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/2006/11/what-is-copywork.html" linkindex="146">What is Copywork?</a> </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
Jul 20, 2007, </div>
</td><td align="right" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span class="GK43L3BBMN"> 1,800</span> <span>Pageviews</span></div>
<div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="10px"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBON" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="380px"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBHO GK43L3BBP"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="gwt-HTML">
<div class="GK43L3BBIO">
<a class="GK43L3BBEO" href="http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/2008/02/prek-4th-curricula-overview.html" linkindex="147">Our Curricula Overview</a> </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
Oct 29, 2008, </div>
</td><td align="right" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span class="GK43L3BBMN">1,754</span> <span>Pageviews</span></div>
<div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="10px"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBON" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="380px"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBHO GK43L3BBP"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="gwt-HTML">
<div class="GK43L3BBIO">
<a class="GK43L3BBEO" href="http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/2007/02/sotws-church-history-schedules.html" linkindex="148">SOTWs & Church History Schedules</a> </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
Feb 25, 2007, </div>
</td><td align="right" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span class="GK43L3BBMN">1,358</span> <span>Pageviews</span></div>
<div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="10px"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBON" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="380px"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBHO GK43L3BBP"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="gwt-HTML">
<div class="GK43L3BBIO">
<a class="GK43L3BBEO" href="http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/2008/02/what-is-horizons-preschool.html" linkindex="149">What is Horizons Preschool?</a> </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
Feb 7, 2008, </div>
</td><td align="right" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span class="GK43L3BBMN">934</span> <span>Pageviews</span></div>
<div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="10px"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBON" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="380px"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBHO GK43L3BBP"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="gwt-HTML">
<div class="GK43L3BBIO">
<a class="GK43L3BBEO" href="http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/2007/06/getting-it-together-meal-planning.html" linkindex="150">Getting It Together: Meal Planning</a> </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
Jun 13, 2007, </div>
</td><td align="right" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span class="GK43L3BBMN">919</span> <span>Pageviews</span></div>
<div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="10px"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBON" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="380px"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBHO GK43L3BBP"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="gwt-HTML">
<div class="GK43L3BBIO">
<a class="GK43L3BBEO" href="http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/2007/01/our-house-rules.html" linkindex="151">Our House Rules</a> </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
Jan 2, 2007, </div>
</td><td align="right" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span class="GK43L3BBMN">894</span> <span>Pageviews</span></div>
<div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="10px"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBON" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="380px"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBHO GK43L3BBP"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="gwt-HTML">
<div class="GK43L3BBIO">
<a class="GK43L3BBEO" href="http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/2008/05/quarterly-notebooks.html" linkindex="152">Quarterly Notebooks</a> </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
May 30, 2008, </div>
</td><td align="right" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span class="GK43L3BBMN">609</span> <span>Pageviews</span></div>
<div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="10px"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBON" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="380px"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBHO GK43L3BBP"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="gwt-HTML">
<div class="GK43L3BBIO">
<a class="GK43L3BBEO" href="http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/2007/09/memorizing-math-facts.html" linkindex="153">Memorizing Math Facts</a> </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
Sep 25, 2007, </div>
</td><td align="right" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span class="GK43L3BBMN">601</span> <span>Pageviews</span></div>
<div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="10px"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBON" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="380px"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBHO GK43L3BBP"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="gwt-HTML">
<div class="GK43L3BBIO">
<a class="GK43L3BBEO" href="http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/2007/04/2nd-grade-poetry-memorization.html" linkindex="154">2nd Grade Poetry Memorization</a> </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
Apr 28, 2007, </div>
</td><td align="right" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span class="GK43L3BBMN">538</span> <span>Pageviews</span></div>
<div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;" width="10px"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBON"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;" width="380px"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="GK43L3BBHO GK43L3BBP" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="gwt-HTML">
<div class="GK43L3BBIO">
<a class="GK43L3BBEO" href="http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/2007/09/skip-counting-resources.html" linkindex="155">Skip Counting Resources</a> </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
Sep 9, 2007, </div>
</td><td align="right" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="GK43L3BBGO">
<span class="GK43L3BBMN">510</span> <span>Pageviews</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td><td align="left" class="GK43L3BBCB GK43L3BBBB" style="vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-53276786985079297192011-02-14T19:10:00.000-05:002011-02-14T19:10:08.847-05:00Happy Valentine's Day<div style="text-align: center;">
For my husband, the love of my life, my true partner in everything. Here's to us, what we have and to our future. You are amazing and I feel extremely privileged to share a life with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ILS6ULfhIhI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-21862983807907352062011-02-06T15:58:00.001-05:002011-02-06T15:59:41.080-05:00One Wall is Done<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Zcx2PX0Mu5Q/TU8Ek_aF0JI/AAAAAAAABQA/nuEKKLRJD1I/s1600/PaintedWall.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="28" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Zcx2PX0Mu5Q/TU8Ek_aF0JI/AAAAAAAABQA/nuEKKLRJD1I/s400/PaintedWall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of living room walls</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A quick picture with my cell phone, sorry about the glare. A wall painted. It's amazing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">While at Lowe's we also found our backsplash and once again, hub is right- I thought because we have grayish black granite countertops and cherry maple cabinets a glass white/cream combo tile would be best. He picked out a tile sample that had copper metallic, golds, browns, black and cream tiles and I love it graphically but thought it would be too dark for our kitchen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We bought a sample since it's on sale (closeout). And it's perfect. He was so right! My not-so-brave choice would have been blah-blah boring. You cannot see the metallics online but it's gorgeous. Now we've got to go back and buy all that we need before it's not available at all. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Zcx2PX0Mu5Q/TU8HsOg5OLI/AAAAAAAABQI/15T6DgKtjPY/s1600/BacksplashTile.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="29" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Zcx2PX0Mu5Q/TU8HsOg5OLI/AAAAAAAABQI/15T6DgKtjPY/s1600/BacksplashTile.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our decided upon backsplash tile</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course if we don't buy it now, we'll regret it later. We tend to look and look for what we want and then we decide finally- then nothing else compares. We spent months looking at furniture, trying to decide on a sofa. We weighed pros/cons of leather, microfiber, kids, dog, comfy levels...and when I sat in our now cream leather sofa in the showroom- the decision was made. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We have our next vehicle picked out too and we've compared every single make/model and met with almost every dealership in the area to test drive their make/model within the same class. We'll probably have to have our vehicle shipped from somewhere else b/c that's the only way we'll get all that we want in a vehicle for the price we're willing to pay. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids are going to flip-out when they get home! They're going to want their rooms to be done next. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-14499016850820873212011-01-29T09:11:00.002-05:002011-01-30T09:13:46.331-05:00I want to paint ONE wall.I don't ask for much. Really. I don't have to ask my hub to do anything, we're that in sync with each other that if one of us doesn't do something that needs to be done, the other picks up the slack. We don't get upset with each other, we give each other space.<br />
<br />
I've had paint samples on the walls for months now. I have one wall that I know without a doubt that I want to paint reddish-orange and I have a paint chip sample that I KNOW I want to use. I want to paint that ONE wall today.<br />
<br />
"Let's get the sample paint and see how it looks," he says.<br />
"No, I want to paint the entire wall this weekend," I say.<br />
"Baby, you've gone through 4 shades of cream and 6 shades of green. Let's get the sample and see how it looks," he says.<br />
"No, I. want. to. paint. this. wall. this. weekend." I stubbornly reply.<br />
"If you get the sample and let us see how it looks in all light and like it, we'll paint next weekend," he tries to compromise.<br />
<br />
Urgh. He knows how much I've struggled with the paint color selection and he won't let me just rip off the band-aid and do it. He has to be so stinking reasonable! (chuckle) So we'll buy a paint sample <b>today</b>. <i>Tomorrow</i>, I will probably get a gallon and paint the entire wall. That's a good compromise, right?<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday Update:</b> We're waiting until next weekend but the color looks AMAZING. It's kinda driving me nuts to see it and know it's not done but soon...this is my primary house goal for the year- to paint.<br />
<br />
My secondary goal is to establish a sustainable landscape- including a rain barrel and a compost (if I can convince hub who thinks it will be stinky and our Westie will be trying to get into it continuously). I might have to wait on the sustainable landscape, I think we have some soil erosion and I will have to get some professionals involved to properly address that issue. The contractors put matting down when they installed the sod but there may be a french drain in our future.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-14479492053046236712011-01-26T07:02:00.000-05:002011-01-26T07:02:55.301-05:00It's only Wednesday?I thought today was Thursday, Camille said no, it's Wednesday. Oh yeah, you're right. It's the 100th day of school today and the kids are excited. <br />
<br />
It is unseasonably warm today and I've been seeing robins. The urge to Spring Clean is moving in, I really want to take everything out of every closet and reorganize, declutter, and then I think about the work that would take- and the time ... I hesitate. Soon the hesitation will be gone and Goodwill will get another donation.<br />
<br />
Why is it so hard to pick a color to paint beige walls? That will happen soon, I despise flat paint but it's another project that takes a lot of work, especially with molding. I paint samples painted all over the walls, I think I have a few colors picked. I'm a little scared of that reddish-orange accent wall I have in my mind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Zcx2PX0Mu5Q/TUAMq_mXyPI/AAAAAAAABP4/pmcVu2OzuP4/s1600/cinnamonstick.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="41" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Zcx2PX0Mu5Q/TUAMq_mXyPI/AAAAAAAABP4/pmcVu2OzuP4/s1600/cinnamonstick.jpg" /></a></div>Wow, it looks totally different online. Okay Wednesday, here I come...<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-35621137131230219692011-01-24T23:11:00.000-05:002011-01-24T23:11:27.081-05:00Honey, where's your Mac?Hubby said tonight. "In the closet, why," I asked.<br />
"Don't you need to get some files off there that you were supposed to repost?" He said.<br />
"Yes dear." As I laughed.<br />
<br />
The computer is in the closet, the wires...ummmm. I will repost homeschooling files soon, I think Blogger can handle storing them now or maybe Google Docs? <br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-25325655498882807382011-01-23T12:25:00.001-05:002011-01-23T12:27:29.460-05:00List from 2009 Updated<div style="background-color: yellow;">1. Become healthy in spirit, body and mind.</div><br />
<strike>2. Obtain a bachelor's degree (enrolled and starting next month!)</strike><br />
<div style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">3. Appreciate the beauty around me and share it with others (my kids especially). </span></div><div style="background-color: yellow;">4. Have financial peace</div><div style="background-color: yellow;">5. Travel</div>a. US Road Trips<br />
<div style="background-color: yellow;">b. Foreign countries</div><div style="background-color: yellow;">6. Own a home.</div>7. Learn how to take breathtaking photos<br />
8. Scuba Dive<br />
<div style="background-color: yellow;">9. Love deeply</div>10. This is way down on my list for a reason: get over my fear of heights which paralyzes me and causes me to have panic attacks and limits my experiences.<br />
<br />
Highlighted is what has been accomplished!!! I did quit the Bachelor's degree quest for the time being.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-50771025236239290952011-01-20T07:07:00.000-05:002011-01-20T07:07:10.860-05:00Report CardsReport cards came in yesterday and while I anticipated Danny's report card being what it was, Camille's was a surprise. Her all As have dropped to a few As, a B, a C, and a D. Wow. My little girl (ahem, she's 10 now) worked very hard at the beginning of the year and now she's slacking off a bit although my trust in her didn't slack because she had proven she was responsible to tend to her own studies. I did spot checks and asked if she wanted help preparing for tests, 'no Mom, I've studied and I'm going to get an A.' <br />
<br />
Thank goodness for the communication of her teacher, who sends out an email weekly regarding what they are doing in class and homework assignments. I expected this from Camille too, especially with the stress we've been under in the last month. I knew it was affecting Camille but she didn't want to talk too much about it and she seemed to be trucking along.<br />
<br />
Sadly, gone are the days that I know exactly what she needs academically and how to approach it. Don't get me wrong, she's doing well in school. It's funny how she thinks she's just learning information the first time, as if we didn't cover it when we homeschooled. I remind her, show her that we studied it and she exclaims, "oh yeah, I remember that now!" <br />
<br />
Danny is going to be tested further, we already have him in speech but his behavior is dictating that he may have a learning disability or sensory processing disorder. He missed two and half weeks of school which put him behind when he was already behind his classmates who are a year younger than him. My heart is aching, but I am hopeful we will figure out what we can do to help Danny. I've been doing it on my own with as much behavior modification as I can, getting him to calm down before talking, focusing on one task at a time, pronouncing his words, etc.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful that I have support with the kids through the school and Camille's dad is fabulous. He and I are on top of her situation, he studies with her at night on the phone after I've done my bit with her. The teachers the kids have are communicative and understanding. My hub is super supportive, working with the kids on their studies and quizzing. If we had been married when I was homeschooling, he would be the father who is involved- the one that Tapestry of Grace made the Pop Quizzes for. Sigh.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-12308837239686733322011-01-17T10:28:00.000-05:002011-01-17T10:28:53.750-05:00Our WeekendAll four kids got a haircut this weekend, the three girls got a 'princess' cut because they all have long hair and vertical layers allowed their hair to be more manageable. We call it princess hair because all the princesses have vertical layers. I never thought I would be grateful for Disney's marketing! Lol. The girls' were glowing after receiving their new look and wore princess tiaras for most of the day.<br />
<br />
The boys (Michael-hubby and Danny) got their 'man' haircut. Seeing your man going from shaggy to clean-cut, is there anything more appealing? Danny loves getting his haircut. Thank goodness, hallelujah! A few years ago getting Danny's haircut involved getting fat lips for me and complete meltdowns. <br />
<br />
We celebrated Michael's birthday, Danny picked out a superhero ice cream cake, so proud for picking it out himself. He sang Happy Birthday to Michael in such a sweet way. The kids rode their bikes and played for a little bit more before it was time to take Michael's girls home. Camille, Danny and I decided to do something just us so we went to go see the new Narnia (<i>Voyage of the Dawn Treader</i>) movie in 3D. It was wonderful, so moving- the end when <b>(spoiler alert)</b> Aslan told Lucy that the children had come to Narnia when they were young to prepare them for being in the world, to know Aslan by another name but they were too old to return to Narnia. Tears came to my eyes. Just writing this, the tears return. <br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-13422593494534269132011-01-12T08:09:00.000-05:002011-01-12T08:09:00.855-05:00A New Year!Murphy came to visit and although his visit isn't welcome there are times that a little conflict makes you stronger, smarter and better than you were before the conflict. It's a pretty major one that I cannot discuss yet but will after all is said and done.<br />
<br />
The kids are doing well, I'm so grateful to be able to live in the best school district in our area and the kids' school is amazing. Camille has been a 'Terrific Kid' and she begged me to put the bumper sticker on my car. We framed her certificate and she's just had a great year- A Honor Roll so far. She's loving school. Danny's year has been a little bit more tumultuous but he's doing well. His speech is coming along and it's encouraging to see his growth in such a short time. He has a love/hate relationship with school, loves to be there but hates to have to behave and have to do work (that he secretly loves but I didn't say that). <br />
<br />
They are growing up... I printed Trivium Academy in its entirety and was going through it the other day. It feels like yesterday the moments that I documented. It's taken 5 3" binders to store...what a keepsake for the kids and I!<br />
<br />
Moving back home to South Carolina was the best decision, I'm less than a mile away from my parents, the kids are in a solid strong school district and you're able to blossom when you're in a comfortable place. It is weird seeing all the development and thinking, "That used to be..."<br />
<br />
Michael has two daughters and we've become this wonderful blended family. I always wanted 3-4 children and now I'm mother of two and stepmom to his two. I don't really like the term 'stepmom'- I'm not their mother, I see myself as an extension of Michael, a loving, supportive adult in their lives that will love them. I don't want to replace their mom or be in some type of competition with her.<br />
<br />
Bringing four children together as a family has its struggles but it takes time. I keep reminding myself of the movie, <i>Yours, Mine and Ours</i>. Let's see, a 10 yr girl, 7 yr old girl, 6 (almost 7) yr old boy and a 5 yr old girl and they ALL like to be in charge. Hmm. Life is definitely interesting at times. Danny keeps saying the younger girls are mean, but what he really means is that he doesn't get his way all the time, chuckle. "You're NOT the boss of ME," is said more times than I can count. Camille loves being adored by the younger girls and her hormones are kicking!<br />
<br />
Christmas this year was strained due to the conflict I mentioned before but it was still a blessing. God's grace shines through any conflict and the true meaning of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus who died for all our sins, stayed on my heart throughout the conflict and season. I keep telling myself, He died for ALL our sins- the small ones, big ones and the ones you don't want to forgive others for.<br />
<br />
Hubby and I are looking for a church, although I had issues with a big church before, I'm ready to trust again in the fellowship of others and a pastor. We're going this weekend to worship and I'm a little excited. We'll have all four children and I think they'll love it. I play my praise music all the time and the kids and I sing and sing.<br />
<br />
It's going to be a good year. Even if iron has to sharpen iron- I'll be stronger for it. I have many blessings, the best of all the love of my family and God's grace to see me through anything.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-28456379308879649852010-08-30T20:18:00.000-04:002010-08-30T20:18:13.536-04:008 Days and CountingCounting down to our cruise to the Western Caribbean, including stops at Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan, Belize and Cozumel from the port of Miami. This will be the first time I've left the country, although not my first vacation. It is my first vacation not attached to another event unless you count the time I drove down to St. Augustine for the weekend with a girlfriend. We did the tourist thing, IMAX, Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum, etc. We did drive a convertible Mustang that weekend, which was a blast.<br />
<br />
How unbelievably boring I've been. A world of possibilities and I've allowed myself to stay in a cocoon of familiarity. Last year when I met Michael, I decided it was time to live. To make some changes and I realized the ONLY way I was going to do something different was to DO something different. I wanted to leave the U.S. by my 35th birthday. I'm 33. I booked a cruise a year in advance. An entire year in advance. We didn't know if we'd work out and the tickets were non-refundable, non-transferable. It was a risk and now 8 days away from our departure, I'm so glad I risked it. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The kids are loving school, I think that's about to change because Camille has a log for just about every subject. A reading log, math skills log, exercise log and I'm sure a science/observation log is coming. Danny brought home Freddy the Reading Frog (thankfully a stuffed animal and not a live frog) for the night. We read a story to Freddy and Danny tried to write about his time with Freddy in Freddy's journal. Danny picked The Frog and Toad Treasury to read to Freddy. (How cute)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Freddy the Reading Frog has beans in him, like a bean bag. I wonder how washable he is...Michael HAD to tell me that Freddy would be full of germs in no time after visiting all the kids' homes. Yes, just what I WANTED to hear as Danny is hugging Freddy to his face.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Monday today was not a MUHNday, it went pretty fast actually. I'm on the other side now, looking forward to our upcoming adventure. I just have a ton to do between now and then...happy Monday!</div><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-15130766037144346392010-08-30T06:59:00.001-04:002010-08-30T06:59:34.988-04:00Top 50 EduTech BlogsGreat list, can't believe I'm on it.<br />
<a href="http://www.onlinecolleges.org/50-edtech-blogs-every-homeschooler-should-bookmark/">http://www.onlinecolleges.org/50-edtech-blogs-every-homeschooler-should-bookmark/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-78611850709063302902010-08-27T07:02:00.000-04:002010-08-27T07:02:08.900-04:00FridayMichael's been working ridiculously long hours this week, he's home an hour after the kids go to bed and leaves for work before I do. It's hard. I miss our time and although I can handle it (all), I miss him...just being around him, having him involved, being able to dissect our days together. He's working so hard and he probably has to work the weekend too.<br />
<br />
Guess that means I'll have time to do some organizing that has been put aside. Oh joy. I know I'll feel better AFTER it's done but goodness I know the time it will take. Sounds like a movie rental day with files strewn around me waiting to find their home.<br />
<br />
My parents put in a swimming pool at the beginning of the summer and it's been a godsend. Danny's fear of water is completely gone. A few months ago he'd have gone into full panic attack mode if you asked him to come into the water away from the shallow stairs, now he's jumping into the 'deep side' will full gusto and swimming under the water!<br />
<br />
Off to another day, have a great one!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-47908140112154331172010-08-23T06:54:00.001-04:002010-12-18T10:06:59.253-05:00Decided to StayI don't have the time to create an entirely new blog, this is the space I created (designed) and I'm not going to start another one. *Pout, stomp foot* I would have to 'create' my space again and this is the space I love. So...I will continue to post here but add a label for Life After. Life After homeschooling and I am working on getting my links, files, etc updated here so they continue to help whomever would like them.<br />
<br />
*Exhale* This was always our place for our journey, there's nothing stopping me from still talking about our journey even if we switched roads.<br />
<br />
Off to start our Monday...Mondays are always a blur.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-88177809277189986792010-08-18T07:02:00.000-04:002010-08-18T07:02:56.611-04:00Checking inWould you believe I married Michael, we bought our own home and we're blissfully happy? Yep, it's all true. The kids are in (gasp) public school and loving it. We tried private school last year and academically it was great but otherwise we weren't impressed.<br />
<br />
The private school headmistress actually uninvited a student to come back this year because she didn't like the child's mother, the child had been attending the private school for four years! The mother was not a problematic parent but a parent who was also involved with the school and worked for the school! Who wants their child to attend a private school like that? I probably wouldn't have been invited back anyways...I was friends with the mother who was banished.<br />
<br />
I love my job and I do it well which just makes me enjoy it more. I'm up for another award which I'll receive next week. Michael (hub) wants me to blog, but I don't think I should blog here at Trivium Academy, this should be a resource for other homeschool parents as long as it is helpful. Unfortunately, I don't have all the files I used to have because they are on a different computer, most were created on my Mac. I did upload them to Save Files .com but that site has gone down...bummer.<br />
<br />
This is going to be a short post, I have to get ready for work. Have a great day!<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-79139129383205764352010-03-09T18:36:00.000-05:002011-07-24T13:38:36.153-04:00Court: Another Chapter Closed<br />
<center><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q8Tiz6INF7I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
<br />
The night before court I was not stressed as I had been the last two times: once, getting Danny back into my custody and the second, the final hearing about Danny's custody- both of which I won.
Last night, I was calm and I slept very well. Michael and I arrived at the courthouse and waited for our attorney. Today, ex had to face Contempt of Court charges for being $4080.00 in arrears for Danny's schooling last school year.<br />
<br />
After almost two years of manipulation, lies, deception, harassment- everything was going to be settled. It was a day of relief.
When Ex appeared he was alone, his entourage of his father, his wife's mother and father and his wife was no where to be found. He was dressed in a suit and skateboard sneakers with no paperwork, no sign of preparation to defend himself as he was "Pro Se", acting as his own attorney.<br />
<br />
He rolled his eyes when he saw me sitting on the bench outside the courthouse, arranging papers in the two binders I had brought. I was prepared.
His past exclamations of "you agreed I didn't have to pay" were gone, whispers in the past along with his claims that he had not only paid what he was supposed to but gone above and beyond.<br />
<br />
Not very long ago his wife wrote this on the forum she participates on (copy and pasted directly):<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"1.) She tried to say we were in arrears of child support by $4000! Of course, we had anticipated ANYTHING and EVERYTHING, so we had proof that not only was Mike up-to-date on CS, but he's gone well beyond what he "has" to pay."</span></b></blockquote>
We entered the courtroom as the bailiff allowed and sat to wait. My attorney arrived moments before court started and as the Judge was going through the cases, our attorney stated that there could be a settlement if able to meet with the parties.<br />
<br />
Ex had tried to settle his $4080.00 arrears with $1021.00- a nice dog and pony show manipulating numbers to reflect a lower settlement because he wants the child support modified and wanted to leverage the fact he would get the child support modified at a later date. I told my attorney that the arrears and child support modification are two different issues that shouldn't be mixed and he needs to pay what he should have in the first place-the amount he willingly signed legal documents stating he would pay but refused to when it came time to man up. Just last month in the final hearing he testified that he had $4000.00 sitting in an account and he'd be glad to give me the money if he could have custody of Danny.<br />
<br />
He was faced with a choice, accept my offer to pay the $4080.00 over 12 (gracious) months or wait to hear the court's decision on when it would have to be paid (the longest being 180 days) plus pay for my legal fees for the action. He chose the gracious offer and we stood before the Judge to have the settlement entered into record. Either way, I walked out with a JUDGMENT of Contempt on record!!! <br />
<br />
Sorry, I have to...it's just itching to get out...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xdCrZfTkG1c" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></center><br />
Maybe not the 'world' but I'll settle for court cases against my ex any day. I don't really feel celebratory, more like, <i>Yep, could have told you- oh wait, I DID tell you.</i><br />
<br />
Unfortunately it's still a sad situation. His contempt for me continues, I don't know if he'll ever allow himself to let that go, so much anger directed at me. He's not communicating with me unless he absolutely has to. The information is still one-sided, me telling him things.<br />
<br />
While I am happy that he's FINALLY being held accountable, it was sad to see him there all alone without the entourage of support he's used to. It must have been hard for him to stand alone, to eat his just desserts. The playing field has been leveled. The co-conspirators had hung their hats. <br />
<br />
Taking me to court instead of talking to me will cost you about $10,000.00, unless you're in arrears, then it'll be closer to 14K. Luckily for ex, his Dad and his wife's parents came to his financial rescue, who knows if they expect him to pay it back, probably not- he's charmed that way. I've never seen one person given so much that he didn't have to work or pay for. I just pray that Danny isn't influenced by this trait of his, that Danny learns true responsibility and the value of earning what you have or want.<br />
<br />
I know a modification of support is coming, I'm fine with it- I've always been fine with it- truth is truth is truth. Let's see if he handles it contemptuously or if he tries to work it out amicably with me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-69864150131868760382010-02-22T20:30:00.000-05:002011-07-24T13:38:53.670-04:00The lies.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8H442uzrxRc/TWRR9u2moSI/AAAAAAAABQs/2C8ZiB8uApY/s1600/sriracha.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="369" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8H442uzrxRc/TWRR9u2moSI/AAAAAAAABQs/2C8ZiB8uApY/s200/sriracha.jpg" width="200" /></a>The amount of lies that I've had to sort through during this whole ordeal is mind-boggling. Especially coming from a pastor, his wife and the slanderous ways she talked about me with her mom and friends on a public forum. By the way, I'm just a 'bio' mom that was just a womb, I'm not a real mother. Very Christian.<br />
<br />
Despite the fact that I haven't lied and do not lie and did not lie at any point during this whole situation- Danny's dad wanted to claim that I used sriracha hot sauce and gave Danny a whole teaspoon full, claiming that Danny said so. I tried to explain that Michael uses sriracha on his food and that he often has the bottle on the table at dinner but at no time did I ever use sriracha as punishment, that I used Texas Pete and ONLY two drops on a spoon that Danny put in his own mouth. He still contends that I used sriracha and even had his attorney challenge me on the stand to eat the amount that my ex claims I gave Danny (I told him I would if he required it). They (my ex and his wife) made Danny pick out hot sauces at a grocery store! Of course I can't say that Danny is mistaken about the hot sauce because then I'm telling my ex that Danny is a liar.<br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">"</span><i>to say otherwise is to call our son a liar. Is that what you are doing,
calling Danny a liar? Yes, I did that and would not hesitate to do it
again. I want you to know that, so hopefully, that will keep Danny
safe.</i><span style="font-size: large;">" </span></blockquote>
I do not recommend using hot sauce in any form, any amount as punishment for anything. In fact the only forms of discipline we use are time outs, loss of privileges and grounding. I will not allow any lack of communication and lack of involvement from the other co-parent damage our son in any way shape or form. I will continue to encourage a healthy relationship between Danny and his father. I will not put up with being mistreated or manipulated any more. <br />
<br />
I've (and my attorney) uncovered more lies than I even anticipated I would. My ex lied on the witness stand so many times I stopped writing "not true" for my attorney and just kept circling the words. His father, another pastor, lied on the stand as well. <br />
<br />
(Flashback 2009) I never did write about how I left him. My ex had two back surgeries within the last year of our marriage. He became dependent on the pain medicine and when his doctor cut him off, he started drinking up to four beers a night. For a normal person, that wouldn't be such a big deal although four beers is a lot in my opinion but he was self-proclaimed recovering alcoholic and attended Alcoholics Anonymous for years. Back when we were dating he said that I needed to attend Al-anon meetings just because I was dating him. When I realized he was drinking I became very concerned, especially since he is very verbally abusive as well. Not a good mix. I separated from him, moved him out of the master bedroom and into one of the other bedrooms in the parsonage we were living in. (The one we used for our schoolroom in fact.)<br />
<br />
One day he was gone from the house but had left his computer on and his email logged in. I found an email from him to his younger brother asking for a quarter ounce. I was shocked and scared. I was working part-time at night so I could afford to leave him and I was very worried about the kids when I find an email where he's asking his brother for dope. I bought a digital recorder started recording conversations and I left the recorder on while I was at work so I could at least know what was happening while I was gone. I found his stash when I was cleaning the house one day, in a man's shaving kit in the hallway bathroom. I took pictures and found an attorney immediately. Not only was he using, he had brought it into the parsonage! I was trusting him to take care of the kids when I was at work!<br />
<br />
For two weeks I took pictures until I could hire an attorney and get in front of a judge to get him removed from the house with an Ex Parte. It took me a week to get in front of a judge with an attorney whereas it took him hours to find a judge to do his bidding. I had to <u>go to</u> court, I didn't go to the judge's house and have papers signed outside of court.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ex's wife wrote on her forum, "<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was signed by the judge at his house, actually."</span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
He denied the email he wrote to his brother, "that's not mine, I've never seen that before in my life," he testified. Then when my attorney showed him the pictures of the dope, he knew he had been caught, "yes that was mine." When my attorney asked where he got the dope from, he replied, "I plead the 5th."<br />
<br />
Both my ex and his father (both pastors) testified that the district superintendent was the one who said for them to contact the judge on a Saturday. They accepted no personal responsibility for turning Danny's life upside down, it was the district superintendent's fault. What I would like to know is why the church is getting involved in such matters? Why does members of the ministry get access to public officials that the general public doesn't get access to? Just because you're a pastor, does that mean you're truthful? That you're not going to stretch the truth to suit your own selfish wants and desires?<br />
<br />
Custody was not changed. Danny remains in my primary physical custody and continues to visit his dad every other weekend. The judge dismissed the petition, DSS has closed the case and life resumes. I continue to endure ex's rantings and lack of involvement in Danny's life. He interrogates Danny nightly about what is happening at our house. I'm in the process of trying to recoup the $4080.00 he owes me in back child support because he was supposed to pay for Danny's preschool year at the private school last year but refused to, court is next month.<br />
<br />
This is the only area of my life that I have any strife. Camille has a wonderful supportive father and we co-parent Camille together. My husband Michael is fabulous, I couldn't ask for a better man, I can't say enough about him. He is my best friend, favorite companion and my Prince Charming. I have a wonderful job that I love and wonderful supportive friends. I have good solid relationships with my family, my husband's family and I am very grateful for all the blessings in my life. I would be more worried for Danny but he has strong, solid, good men in his life as father figures that teach by example as well as spend quality time with him. <br />
<br />
Writing about all this has been so healing. I didn't write about it for the longest time because I struggled with writing about someone else's sins. I didn't write about it because I didn't want my ex's actions to reflect upon the ministry as a whole. I didn't write about it because I was afraid of how he would use my words against me. I'm done being afraid. The truth is the truth is the truth. I've prayed for my ex and his new wife who is pregnant with their first child, I wish them happiness and health. I don't wish ill upon them at all although I may have been angry with them. I don't understand why things have to be so hard, I will continue to love and care for Danny with all my being and pray that he turns into a responsible loving man like my husband, Michael.<br />
<br />
I will continue blogging at Our Blended Family. The chapter has closed on Trivium Academy and I'm leaving the blog up to be a resource for other homeschoolers. Thank you for reading. Murphy has left and life continues.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=co-parenting" linkindex="370" target="_blank">Co-Parenting Resources</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> : <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Free-Abuse-Take-Back/dp/1580051227?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" linkindex="371" target="_blank">Getting Free</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1580051227" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> : <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=child%20custody" linkindex="372" target="_blank">Custody Battles</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-57965889357970438582010-02-21T18:39:00.000-05:002011-07-24T13:39:14.346-04:00Tuesday, December 7thWhere did I leave off? Let's see, Friday's nightmare, the weekend and now the next week. I forgot to mention that on Monday morning, my ex sent me a text message that he'd put a stop payment on the child support check I had just deposited into our account. It seemed obvious to me that money was playing a large part of why he was doing this.<br />
<br />
Wednesday night, we met the caseworker from the Department of Social Services. When I introduced myself to him I told him, "I don't think I've ever been so happy and scared at the same time to meet someone." He laughed. I was relieved to actually have someone to talk to about this insane situation and get some concrete answers as to what was going to happen. I knew I didn't have anything to worry about, I'm not a child abuser, no matter what my ex wanted to claim. Let's call the caseworker David. David came into our home, sat down in our living room and we talked for about 30 minutes about the events that had transpired. I showed him the documents, the stop payment text and he said right away that my ex was doing everything he could to get out of paying child support and that this was a legal case. He asked if I had a lawyer and if I was fighting him and I told David, "you betcha."<br />
<br />
I asked David if he wanted to see the house, see Danny's room and he said yes. I took him around, he said- "it is obvious this is a very loving home and the kids are well taken care of, unfortunately I have to do my job but I don't see a reason for this case to be open at all." He said he felt it was a waste of time. I was relieved but also upset at the same time. My ex had contacted the Department of Social Services, emailed the director to get the ball rolling. He really didn't care about due process or the fact that the department of social services would NEVER have removed Danny from my custody. Yet, Danny was in Georgia being told that he was going to be living with Daddy (and his new wife) from now on.<br />
<br />
My ex wouldn't even let me speak to Danny on the phone for almost a week. It wasn't until his lawyer told him to that he allowed me to speak to Danny and he made it known he was listening in and even recording the conversations. I tried to be normal with Danny, I talked to him about his day but didn't want to hear about his father- I read him his favorite books over the phone and tried to keep the conversation light. It was hard. From what Danny was saying, he was being told that he'd be living there from now on and how wonderful life would be at his dad's. His dad immediately got him involved in the church Christmas play, enrolled him in basketball but waited a week or so before enrolling him in school.<br />
<br />
He actually asked me to WITHDRAW Danny from the elementary school he was attending here in South Carolina so he could enroll him in Georgia. Yeah, let me jump on that one...<br />
<br />
I was a little busy doing research. It seems the judge that signed Petition of Custody is a member of same church Danny's dad's dad (Poppa) was a pastor of for six plus years. We had a hearing set for December 17, 2010 in which we would appear before the same judge and argue our cases. I was ready to fight but the fight had to be delayed when it was obvious that we wouldn't have a fair trial based on the fact the judge had some type of personal relationship with my ex or my ex's father. We had the hearing moved to another county in Georgia which only delayed the hearing.<br />
<br />
Once the case was moved, I had my lawyer file for a dismissal of the Order of Nisi (the temporary custody order) and allow Danny to come home since my ex had just allowed Danny to visit unsupervised with us the week after Christmas. (Yeah, I'm that much of a threat...) The judge quickly reversed the temporary custody order and on January 5, 2011- Danny came home. One month after being gone! Almost a full two and half weeks of school missed. Tons of lies said and the list goes on. The final hearing was scheduled for February 4, 2011.<br />
<br />
<i>to be continued... </i><br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-918787138460280272010-02-20T16:59:00.000-05:002011-07-24T13:39:27.802-04:00Friday and Events AfterFriday, December 3rd seemed like an ordinary day. The kids went to school, Michael and I went to work. Michael and I were working full time and so the kids would go from school to afterschool, which is where Danny's dad would pick him up to begin their weekend visitation. Around 2:40pm, I received a text from Danny's dad that he was waiting for Danny's school bus to arrive.<br />
<br />
Around 6:40pm I was driving home from work and I received a call from Michael. "Babe, there's a police officer here who wants to talk to you." I asked to speak to him and was told that the officer wanted to talk to me in person. I told Michael I was still about 20 minutes away and would be there as soon as I could. I hung up the phone with my hubby and my mind started racing. Was Danny & his dad okay? Had there been an accident? I didn't want to start calling people to make sure they were alright just in case that isn't what the officer wanted to talk to me about. I thought about the woman whom I had to file a witness report about a few weeks earlier, wondered if it was about that.<br />
<br />
By the time I got home, my mind needed a break. The officer has told Michael to call dispatch once I had arrived home so he could return knowing I was there. We waited and waited. About 20 minutes after I arrived home the officer returned to talk to me, I met him in the yard. "Ma'am, do you have a six year old son?" Gasp. "Yes." "Was he picked up by his father this afternoon?" Another gasp. "Yes, are they alright?" "Yes, ma'am. Did you give your son hot sauce as punishment?" I looked at the officer wondering what he was getting at but answered honestly, "yes, last night." "When was the last time you saw your son," he asked. "This morning at 6:45am when I kissed him good-bye for school. Why," I replied. "Did you son have a rash on his face at that time," he asked. "No he did not, there was nothing on his face. It was 30 degrees out this morning, he might have some chapping underneath his lip because he bites it but there wasn't anything on his face this morning," I answered.<br />
<br />
Then he and I talked about using hot sauce as punishment and whether it was the same as using soap to wash a child's mouth out. The officer shared that one of his fellow officers puts hot sauce on their children's fingers to keep them from biting their nails. I asked him if I had anything to worry about and he said no. He was just told he needed to come ask me about Danny and file his report. The school hadn't called me, the afterschool place hadn't called me, what was this rash that the officer was talking about?<br />
<br />
I called Danny's dad at that point. He asked me if I had given Danny hot sauce and I told him yes. He then exploded in an a "I got you!" way, throwing accusations and labels of abuse at me, "I have you on tape!" He was recording our phone conversation. I told him that he was blowing things way out of proportion and that he should have called me before calling the police. He then told me that he didn't call the police, a physician did. A physician? I asked him if Danny was alright and he said yes, except for the rash he had on his mouth that Danny was saying that came from the hot sauce I had given him the night before. I asked to see a picture of Danny, his dad refused. I asked to see the physician report, his dad refused. I told him again that he was blowing the situation way out of proportion and that all that was needed was a conversation between him and I about parenting techniques.<br />
<br />
It was about 8:30pm at that point and Danny was three hours plus away in Georgia at his dad's house. I couldn't decide if I needed to go get him or not, I didn't want to cause Danny any stress by showing up to reclaim him because his dad was acting off his rocker and not giving me any information. I called the police department where his dad lives and asked for them to go to the house and check on Danny. The police officer went and called me back, said Danny was physically fine and a very happy child. He said that Danny asked him about being a police officer and said that Danny was watching tv when he arrived. Okay, my momma bear could calm down a little, he was fine although his dad seemed to have gone off the deep end.<br />
<br />
The next day (Saturday), I went to work. I only work until about 2:30pm on some Saturdays and when I left that day I saw that I had a voicemail message and text message on my cell phone. The text message was gibberish sent by Danny's dad. The voicemail was clear, "I'm calling to inform you as per my attorney, Mr. Blankety Blank name of City, Georgia, that I will be in front of the Honorable Judge Whatshis where he is going to sign Danny over to me, full custody. You can fight it if you wish but until then, Danny is all mine." ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON! I listened to that message about five times before it really sank in what was happening.<br />
<br />
I called my parents and told them what was happening. They didn't understand how custody could be signed over on a weekend either. I called every government agency I could find in Georgia and South Carolina was unable to reach anyone. I called all day Saturday and Sunday and all I could reach is the police departments. The Georgia police department said that if my ex had been able to get a judge to sign a paper that it was legal. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the Superior Court of <span style="background-color: black;"> </span> County <br />
State of Georgia <br />
<br />
Civil Action, File # _____________<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black;"> </span>, Plaintiff<br />
vs. <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black;"> </span><span style="background-color: black;">r</span>, Defendant <br />
<br />
Petition for Change of Custody <br />
<br />
l. Comes now Plaintiff and files the following petition for a clange in custody of his <br />
minor child, namely Daniel <span style="background-color: black;"> </span>, DOB<span style="background-color: black;"> </span>, which child is now <br />
located in <span style="background-color: black;"> </span>, Georgia in a state of deprivation and abuse, and this court <br />
has jurisdiction over the welfare of this child. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
2. The parties were divorced in <span style="background-color: black;"> </span>, Georgia on or about <span style="background-color: black;"> </span>, 2009, a copy <br />
of which is attached to and made "part of this petition" as Exhibit A. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
3. The parties were awarded joint custody of the child with Defendant designated as <br />
primary custodian. The child is now in the custody ofthe Plaintiff during regular <br />
scheduled visitation and is found to be in a state of physical and emotional abuse, <br />
suffered at the hand of the Defendant. The minor child was found to be suffering from <br />
corporal punishment and Defendant has admitted to Plaintiffand to <span style="background-color: black;"> </span><span style="background-color: black;">)</span> that she administers hot <br />
sauce which causes the child to break out in red splotches as a consequence. Plaintiff <br />
contacted Defendant who readily admits that she administers hot sauce as punishment, <br />
which conduct is abusive to the minor child and contrary to the appropriate care and <br />
welfare of said child. Plaintiffis awaiting a complete investigation of this matter by local <br />
authorities and is in need of an Order of Protection, pending such investigation requesting <br />
that the minor child will remain in the custody of the Plaintiff pending further inquiry. <br />
Petitioner shows that there has been a substantial change in circumstance, materially <br />
affecting the welfare of said minor child. Plaintiff requests that the Defendant be ordered <br />
to show just cause why said child has been placed in a state of deprivation and abuse and <br />
why custody should not be changed to remain with Petitioner, wherefore Plaintiff that an <br />
Order Nisi requiring Defendant to be and appear and show cause why custody should not <br />
be awarded to and continue in Plaintiff and the Plaintiff have other relief as said best <br />
interest in the child. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Sworn to and subscribed before me <br />
this 4th day of December 2010</div>
<br />
Signed by my ex, with Pro Se under his name and the Judge's signature. No civil action file number, no stamps of notary, no court stamp or anything to indicate it happened IN court. The police departments in Georgia and South Carolina said it was legal, it was highly unusual but legal. <br />
<br />
This was emailed to me finally at 10:28pm on 12/4/2010. My ex still hadn't provided any pictures or physician report of Danny and was not answering my calls. He told me to direct all communication to his lawyer. A man that I called on Saturday afternoon and had no clue about a hearing with a judge but had talked to my ex earlier that day.<br />
<br />
I called my police department and asked to speak to the same officer I had on Friday. He came back by our house and I showed him the Petition and what my ex was saying that I and he had said. The officer looked at it and said he didn't say those things in his report. He advised me to get a lawyer right away and to also go to the police station and get his copy of the report. He said that my ex had argued with him on the phone to arrest me on Friday night. Monday, I called around in Georgia to find a lawyer and to get as many answers as I could. I called all the government agencies again, only to find out that Georgia Department of Family Services didn't have a case against me, and that most people thought the entire situation to be out of the norm and very odd how a child's custody could be changed on the weekend.<br />
<br />
Tuesday, we drove to Georgia to meet with lawyers. We hired one around 3pm on Tuesday. When we returned home from driving all day, we had a notice on the door that S.C.'s Department of Social Services had visited and wanted us to call. I called 4x and received no answer but left 4 messages. I got a call back a few hours later and made an appointment for the following day at 5:30pm to speak to the caseworker at our home.<br />
<br />
<i>to be continued....</i><br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-12775445274597990702010-02-20T06:47:00.000-05:002011-07-24T13:39:41.582-04:00The Door that let Murphy inThe story I'm about to tell is true. If it had involved different parties, maybe the story wouldn't need to be told at all because it would have been resolved quickly and would have just been a parenting misstep.<br />
<br />
I don't think I'm any different than other parents that wish to raise responsible and caring children. I read parenting books, I've probably read more books about raising children, teaching morals & values, how to's of parenting than most. I still have a parenting book arsenal, one that I refer to when I feel the need.<br />
<br />
Danny has always very spirited, I've written about getting fat lips from him head-butting me and his outbursts at times. He has a very strong will and a one-track mind. Last November, we were having one of those periods when he wants what he wants and he wants it right now and discipline with time-outs, grounding, and taking privileges away were not being very effective. <br />
<br />
Danny can be very physical, a few times he and Camille had gotten into a physical argument over something trivial like who gets to use the #1 Wii remote. Camille being older (not much bigger) would rather just engage in a physical fight than to get me involved- the only time either of them like me to be involved is if one of them gets hurt and they want to stop and start pointing fingers at each other.<br />
<br />
Danny has speech issues, he gets very frustrated when he's in a hurry to communicate or when things are happening faster than he can object to. Yelling is common when he is rushed or he feels some type of immediacy is needed. He also will flat-out refuse to listen and argue with having to stand in the corner or go into a time-out. In about mid-November, I had reached the point where the corner, time-outs and grounding was not very effective. The three months before Christmas is rough for us. Danny is very toy obsessed and it's only gotten it's very worst in the last year.<br />
<br />
As a child of divorce, Danny gets to have two households, two separate families and on his Dad's side- that means a LOT of toys. He gets toys just for being at Dad's house from Dad, Poppa (Dad's dad) and even his stepmom's parents. I'm very conservative when it comes to toys, birthdays and Christmas with an occasional 'surprise' every now and then but not because a child demands a toy. Poppa is old-school, he equates loves with money and the more he can buy you, it means the more he loves you. Although I objected to the toy buying due to Danny's developing toy-obsession- my requests went ignored. <i>What's wrong with getting him a toy? He's a good boy? He's my _______ and I'll buy him a toy if I want to.</i><br />
<br />
Well Danny turned into a little Veruca (Willy Wonka). I want ____ and I want it right now! His impatience for waiting for Christmas was growing thin and my patience for his increasing outbursts was growing then as well. I reached into my parenting book arsenal and pulled a book out that I hadn't used in a long time. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Correction-Lisa-Whelchel/dp/1589971280?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" linkindex="77" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Creative Correction" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1589971280&tag=widgetsamazon-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1589971280" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
I had always appreciated the 'toolbox' organization of this book. I looked up a few different things to help me try new discipline techniques with Danny. As I read, I saw where I had already used quite a lot of the techniques such as if a child didn't wish to take care of their belongings, put them away for them (for awhile...) and when the child missed it, tell them they could have it once they showed they would take care of it.<br />
<br />
To skip all the other techniques I tried in November from the book, I'll get to the one that created so many problems in our life. On page 151, there's a suggestion to spank your child's tongue with hot sauce for lying or disobedience of the tongue. It says to put a few drops on your finger and put your finger on your child's tongue.<br />
<br />
Given that Danny's adversarial reaction to discipline was to yell at me and have a fit, I thought I would try it. I didn't feel comfortable sticking my hand in Danny's mouth or somehow forcing the hot sauce into his mouth in any way. I put two drops of Texas Pete hot sauce on a spoon and handed him the spoon to put in his own mouth. I had a glass of water on the counter for him ready. It worked. He didn't like it but it was quick and effective. Danny and I talked about what had happened and why he was being punished and what to do better next time like we always do. We hugged and he went back to playing.<br />
<br />
Over the next week or so Danny had hot sauce one more time and the last time was December 2nd, Thursday night. Let me say that hot sauce was not my 'go-to' discipline, I tried time-out and taking privileges away first if the yelling and temper tantrum kept on that's when I would use the hot sauce. On Thursday night, the kids were playing in their playroom and I said it was time to clean up. Camille listened and then I heard yelling between them- Danny wasn't doing his share. I went to Danny and told him to start helping and he didn't want to but he did want Camille to get out of his way of the tv. He started yelling at her to move, she defiantly stood in front of the tv to block his enjoyment and then I turned the tv off and told them to clean together.<br />
<br />
A spat or two later, Camille came and told on Danny for not only not helping but creating more of a mess because he didn't want to clean up. I put Danny in the corner and he wouldn't stay. I took away some of his toys which he then tried to rip out of my hands while yelling at me that they're his. Let's go to the kitchen...I gave him two drops of texas pete and he calmed down. He apologized and we hugged. Off to bed with the monkeys and the next morning I kissed Danny on the mouth twice at 6:45 am before sending him off to school.<br />
<br />
<i>to be continued...</i><br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-87545515490513566342009-12-06T08:24:00.007-05:002010-12-18T10:14:20.635-05:002009 RecapWhat a different life I lead than last year! The kids are doing well at private school but due to finances, next year they will go to public school. This year has flown by and it's been a rollercoaster ride- there have been thrilling hills climbed and thankfully only small downhills. For the most part it's been a boring rollercoaster and I couldn't be MORE thankful for that.<br />
<br />
Just to recap during this time last year, I was working a part-time job at night to save money to leave and divorce my ex while homeschooling Camille during the day and Danny was going to a Montessori preschool. It was a tumultuous and stressful time but I felt positive because I was being proactive. I was in counseling and had just finished reading <i>Total Money Makeover</i> by Dave Ramsey.<br />
<br />
From January to March it was lawyers, juggling responsibilities and being unsure about what the future would hold for us. The kids and I moved in with my parents so I could get my feet back under me to support us after staying at home for 4 years. I worked as a retail manager until June when it was apparent that type of job was not best for me or the kids. I couldn't work 3-10pm one day and 7am-3pm the next. The kids would be starting school in July and I needed something more stable for them and myself. I was very blessed to find a job at a bank and be able to make a job change while most people couldn't find any work. (Let me rephrase that, couldn't find work that they wanted to do.)<br />
<br />
It was also in June that I decided to date again, after a few horrible blind dates, I met a police officer who was a transplant from New Hampshire. I'm a Navy brat with two Northern parents, I was raised in the south. The good ole southern gentlemen with their thick accents, sole-minded interest in trucks, hunting, fishing, golf, southern football and beer just do not interest me, so Brian was a refreshing change. He had goals he was trying to accomplish just as I did and we did well to stay mindful of that. The time spent with Brian was good, I learned a lot about myself during the month and half that we dated while the kids were gone. Our road divided and we've gone our separate ways, he's still going after his goals and doing well. We're friends now and check in with each other every now and then.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My private dating life took a fabulous turn when I met Michael. I really didn't want to date him at all, he shares the same name as my ex. That was a HUGE factor against him and it took me a month to finally answer him. When we met, I had this insane urge to run my fingers through his hair (which I didn't do at that time) and I felt immediately at ease with him.<br />
<br />
I hesitate writing anything about him, I don't want to sound like lovesick schoolgirl. I am in the best relationship I've ever had in my life. When two people accept each other as they are and celebrate each other's strengths - there is nothing else more precious. We've both had troubled relationships in the past and learned our lessons, with each other we're very conscious of what both of us needs. We are different in a lot of ways, such as I'm a planner and he's not. For some that wouldn't work but he appreciates knowing someone is thinking ahead and I appreciate the spontaneity that can occur when there isn't a plan or even the deviation from the plan. I'm pretty spontaneous myself but it works because we're both easy-going.<br />
<br />
I could go on and on about how wonderful we are together. I could mention all the things I appreciate about him and all the benefits of being with someone who really understands you and wants the best for you, someone who respects and admires you even after they've seen you at your worst. Someone you can't wait to see at the end of the day, someone who you're comfortable just being with without feeling like you have to say or do something to make them happy. A healthy give and take relationship. Finally.<br />
<br />
After 3 months, we still haven't had a fight or argument. We discuss things, we talk before anything escalates, we know when each other is upset and we both strive to take care of each other. I'm still blown away that he knows I'm upset before I utter a word. It's nice to have someone know you that well, it's what I've always wanted and never had. It can be frustrating too, I'm not used to having it all hang out there but I'm getting used to it. I guess that sums up my view of our relationship, I'm finally getting what I've always wanted and never had and it takes some adjustment and personal acceptance. Past relationship demons are taking their rest and being left where they belong, in the past.<br />
<br />
To be able to give my all with someone who gives their all to me, there's nothing better. I'm in awe of the power of our relationship and now understand what others meant when they talked about their relationship with the same sentiments while I cynically secretly believed they were exaggerating the truth in some way because there's no way they can be THAT happy and content with another human being. They must have problems they aren't talking about. Now I'm part of one of those sickening, wonderful, loving relationships and I thank my lucky stars every day.<br />
<br />
I'm ending 2009, happy and contentedly blessed in ways I never would have imagined or dreamed. It's been one helluva year and I can't wait to see what next year holds in store for us!<br />
<br />
I'm trying to decide if I'm going to revamp this blog or just let it be as it is. While we still love nature study, we're no longer a homeschooling family, we're no longer Trivium Academy. We'll see.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-4077993993719035372009-08-29T11:28:00.003-04:002010-12-18T10:15:49.847-05:00An Ending and A BeginningMy first term of college is ending tomorrow and Monday starts a new term with one class. I've been juggling three classes this term and I'm burnt out. I need a break and time to settle into our new life with the kids being in school and moving into a new place.<br />
<br />
I am so stinking excited to be moving into our own place, but I'm a little timid about it too. To be able to get our stuff out of storage and make a place for ourselves...to live by ourselves. Moving in with family should be a short-term solution, enough said about that.<br />
<br />
Work is going well, I really enjoy my job and the people I work with. A co-worker just got promoted and I'm very happy for her, she's only been there a year and it's encouraging to see her moving upward and onward.<br />
<br />
The kids are doing well, growing everyday and the changes in them is apparent. Overall, we're all happier and content. <br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-20362081659713052302009-08-20T11:49:00.002-04:002009-08-20T11:57:28.993-04:00NewAlmost everything life right now is new. Bright, shiny, new...isn't that grand? New job (been there 2 months, maybe not so new), new lifestyle (single mom), new school (college online) and a few other 'new's. One for sure is that the kids and I are moving into our own place next month and the kids are starting private school on Monday.<br /><br />I'm on top of the world right now, stressed and getting stuff done continously, feeling behind but still approaching everything with a smile and confidence that it will all get done. I've dated which has had its ups and downs, met some fabulous people and been able to let my hair down a little and have some fun. I think I forgot how to do that for the longest time and I'm making up some of that lost time.<br /><br />My first term in college is almost over, I'm in Week 7 of 8 weeks and next is Algebra and Business Computer Skills. I picked out a new mattress yesterday and in the next couple of weeks, all of our stuff will be moved from my parents' house and our rented storage unit to our own apartment. I can't wait. To walk around in my own space, to be able to spend time with the kids without interference (did I just say that).<br /><br />I haven't really had a chance to cook in the last 5 months, so that will be interesting, especially with my budget. Can you say rice and beans? Lol. Life is good and getting better every day.<br /><br /><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" border="0" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-88815695503700023572009-07-18T10:20:00.002-04:002009-07-18T10:30:44.537-04:00I miss them.The kids have been gone all week and Camille won't be coming back until next week. I miss them terribly. A part of my heart is missing, a part of my daily life. I haven't had them BOTH gone at the same time for this length of time. I've enjoyed my time but it's time for them to be back!<br /><br />I've got so much to do today, and gasp-I'm even loading up books to take to the thrift store because I have no energy or time to sell them online. I just want them gone, easy peasy. I'm shopping for school supplies and uniforms...I cannot believe that. Camille just turned nine, I cannot believe that either. Lol. We're celebrating her birthday when she gets back from her grandparents'.<br /><br />I've spent this past week truly evaluating our life, what is good, what can be improved, what steps I need to take, what I feel the kids' need, etc. I got wrapped up in wanting to move out but after crunching the numbers for the 100th time, I can't. Not yet and I'm not foolish enough (thankfully) to take that step without some serious security and stability financially. I'm a highly passionate person and once I set my sights on a goal, watch out- I will obtain it. I needed to refocus on the goals I've already set instead of creating new ones. Hey, I get bored sometimes in the middle of obtaining an already set goal, especially if it is a long term one.<br /><br />Gazelle intensity...I'm going to reread Total Money Makeover and get motivated again. It's hard. I've lost more weight and my clothes are falling off me- while that's good- it's not good for my wallet. I'm going to wait until I literally cannot wear the clothes I have before buying more, altering the current clothes I have may be the best way to overcome buying more clothes, too bad I don't know how to sew myself! Geesh, I guess I wasn't such a super homeschooler after all, I can't sew or bake bread. Lol.<br /><br /><br /><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35451298.post-86582505912408031772009-07-08T18:47:00.004-04:002009-07-08T19:07:14.801-04:00Goodness!Goodness, this blog. It feels like a world away sometimes, a different life. The kids are about to spend over a week with other family members and I'm in 3 classes for college, working full-time and trying very hard to balance it all with a bit of a social life.<br /><br />I'm in new territory in almost <em>every </em>area of my life, it's not always easy to know what the right way is, it seems like a constant battle to stick my arms out and balance myself. My emotions are rampant right now, everything is going so well but I'm a thinker. Those that read this blog know that I always have multiple things going on and that hasn't changed. My mind doesn't stop. I would love to blame it on being a woman but I know that's not the case, I've been told repeatedly lately to slow down, stop taking every so seriously or being so hard on myself by other women!<br /><br />What I find utterly amazing is that I know myself. I know myself better than I thought I did. I need time to reflect, focus and refocus. I need silence sometimes and just BE without thinking about this, that or anything. I give everything my all and while that would be draining to others, it's freeing for me. I need time to reflect and write, something else that I've learned about myself...by spending time away from this blog. Unfortunately, I'm not willing or able to write everything here- somethings are meant to be personal.<br /><br />I love music. Love, love, love music. I love rocking out while I work out, I love turning on a favorite cd and cleaning, and I feel a deep satisfaction from belting out songs in my car while driving down the road. I keep a 'theme' song in my mind, one that I can sing to myself when the mood strikes and currently it's my ring tone on my cell phone.<br /><br />It's perfect for me, right now.<br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>The Middle</strong></div><div align="center"><em>Written by by Jimmy Eat World</em></div><div align="center"><br />Hey, don't write yourself off yet</div><div align="center">It's only in your headYou feel left out </div><div align="center">or looked down on</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Just try your best,</div><div align="center">try everything you can</div><div align="center">And don't you worry what they tell themselves</div><div align="center">When you're away</div><div align="center"><br />It just takes some time, little girl</div><div align="center">You're in the middle of the ride</div><div align="center">Everything, everything will be just fine</div><div align="center">Everything, everything will be all right, all right</div><div align="center"><br />Hey, you know they're all the same</div><div align="center">You know you're doing better on your own</div><div align="center">So don't buy in, live right now</div><div align="center">Yeah, just be yourself</div><div align="center">It doesn't matter if that's good enough </div><div align="center">for someone else</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">It just takes some time, little girl</div><div align="center">You're in the middle of the ride</div><div align="center">Everything, everything will be just fine</div><div align="center">Everything, everything will be all right, all right<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">It just takes some time, little girl</div><div align="center">You're in the middle of the ride</div><div align="center">Everything, everything will be just fine</div><div align="center">Everything, everything will be all right, all right</div><div align="center"><br />Hey, don't write yourself off yet</div><div align="center">It's only in your head</div><div align="center">You feel left out or looked down on</div><div align="center">Just do your best, do everything you can</div><div align="center">And don't you worry what the bitter hearts </div><div align="center">are gonna say</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">It just takes some time, little girl</div><div align="center">You're in the middle of the ride</div><div align="center">Everything, everything will be just fine</div><div align="center">Everything, everything will be all right, all right</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Exhale. I'm moving on now to do my physical science work for college. Camille is reading Doctor Doolittle and Danny is getting better at writing his letters. We're doing fine, even better than fine...<br /></div><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g270/triviumacademy/JessicaFlowerSignature.png" />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11962142768868238733noreply@blogger.com5