GARNISHING a meal

by Robin

Some people use parsley, citrus wedges, special sauces dripped around the plate. Not my fishermen. A toothpick is all you need. As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing."

Breakfast: French toast with a little extra egg, topped with an orange toothpick.

FIREPROOFING your FISHERMEN

by Robin

We caught the 2:45 mantinee on Friday. Deep. Emotional. Convicting. Loving. Daring. Glorifying. I can't pick just one word to describe this movie. I cried so many times I lost count. Happy tears. Sad tears. All sorts of reasons for tears. I didn't want to leave the theater when the credits were done.

Warning: We brought our somewhat older kids but they understood social topics like internet pornography and infidelity before they were exposed to it in the theater. There are some action scenes that may be scary for younger viewers but that would be a personal call for parents. We had seen some behind-the-scenes info prior to watching the movie here . Look under videos.

GARBAGE GRABBERS

by Robin

You know the economy is bad when people actually go through your bagged garbage to see what they can use or sell at a garage sale. I mean, I've had this once or twice when I put something somewhat decent out there in plain view. That I expect. What I didn't expect was to see things like old sleeping bags & stuffed animals taken out of tied black garbage bags. Books were displaced. Maybe some taken, some left behind.

I know it is garbage but somehow it feels like a violation. Or weird.

I saw on the news the other night that folks in San Francisco were stealing recyclables out of other's bins and then selling them for money. It was costing the city a lot of money and their city service fees were going to have to go up.

On another note, we went to NOAA National Weather station in Melbourne, FL yesterday. I took lots of pictures and mental notes to blog sometime soon. I want to be a weatherman one day when I grow up. What a cool job.

CHANGING THE LIGHT BULB

How does a Homeschooler change a light bulb?


First, Mom checks 3 books on electricity out of the library, then the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas Edison, and do a skit based on his life. Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own candles. Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of light bulbs, as well as prices, and figure out how much change they'll get if they buy 2 bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill.

On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and also Abraham Lincoln, as his picture is on the five dollar bill. Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged from the woods, the light bulb is installed. And, there is light!

SAMMY'S THOUGHTS

by Robin

What are you thinking in those soulful eyes girl?

Do you love your new home? Do you love the boys? Do you love me?

Do you love your new bed? Does your dog food taste good? Do you like the beef-basted rawhide?

Do you love those little brothers that constantly pull on your ears and bite your stomach searching for milk? Do you wish we would play tug for hours with you at night? Are you sulking because I didn't buy the fluorescent kong?

Are you paying attention to those political ads? Did you see that last one? Are you going to watch that debate on Friday? Who are you voting for? Can you help us solve world peace? The economic crisis? Energy diversity?

C'mon girl, tell us what you're really thinking.

POTTY TRAINING

Dare I say that it looks like we're past the worst part of potty training?

I'm hopeful anyhow.
Robin

ANDREW & MULTIPLICATION

by Robin

We're getting into the tougher facts of the multiplication table. I remember how hard it was for me. So, this morning, I was giving him some of the short-cuts & tricks to math over our cups of coffee.

I love that Andrew shares my love of coffee. (decaf)

Chi-Wow-Wa Babies Update

by Robin

They are growing so fast!! They're practically housebroken now, except for the accidents on the back porch when I'm too busy to watch them.

Their ears are doing the funniest things. Up, down, Left, Right..... I wish they'd finally go up & stay there.

Here is Captain. I love this photo of him. It really displays his character well. Intent, curious, cute, smart and willing to please. He's the easier one to train. He's the brains of the operation too. (not including Sammy)


It's nearly impossible to catch a little chihuahua still. I snapped two great ones of Tiki (below) but they were on a weird setting and so they're grainy. Oh I hated that. Tiki is affectionally called my brat. He is stubborn, unwilling to learn, unwilling to cooperate, unwilling to share, not super keen on housebreaking if it doesn't suit him and insists on mommy's lap whenever she stops moving. BUT, he's so incredibly cute & small that it's hard to fight that stubborn nature. Mostly, we laugh at him and pick him up while disciplining him with kisses on the head. We're definitely sending him mixed messages. We're creating a 3 lb monster. LOL.


This next picture is for my friend Ginny (& other canine friends) who I thought would find Captain's coat pattern interesting. It looks like an art canvas where somebody dotted the white with different strengths of the same base color. The pattern is that there is no pattern. No distinct lines, no distinct shade.
Oh and the growth pattern is very different in the two brothers. Tiki has barely grown a pound all month and Captain has gone up a few. They get weighed & shots next Sat.

Probably, next update, Tiki will still look like a chihuahua and Captain will look more like a greyhound, or at least a whippet.

I'll have to down-size some Sammy pics and give an update on her next.

CAN'T LET YOU GO

Remixed by Robin

Turn on your speakers.

John 9: 1-3

by Robin

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.


This is a very straight-forward little story from the book of John. Many children learn it from Sunday school's across America. We are taught to not look down upon disabilities as curses from God. We can overcome all things through Christ. Even if you're reading this and you're not a Christian, it is politically incorrect to look down upon those with disabilities.

So, why are we judging a man with a disability? Who? What? I'm talking about John McCain. So what if the man can't use a computer. He's got secretaries, right? He's got a cell phone right? This isn't a matter of him judging new technology, it's a matter of him being unable to type & hold his shoulders in this position for any length of time. It's not his fault that he had both arms broke and cannot sit to work the keyboard. His wife helps him at times when he needs to be online. I have no idea how this became such a hot political topic. It shouldn't even be on the news much less be commented on by those in Hollywood or in the press. George W. Bush loves his blackberry, but does he have a 100% approval rating because he knows how to navigate the internet?

Do people not hear how harsh they sound when they put down a man with a disability? It doesn't affect his judgement or his means of communication otherwise. THIS is a non-issue. I'm all for a solid debate but not this piddily junk which demoralizes a war veteran and in turn, makes the speaker sound so uncompassionate.

People, wake up and smell the coffee. F. D. Roosevelt was in a wheelchair, crippled by polio, but he traveled back and forth to keep Allied nations working together during WW II. Did anybody question his ability to run the country? Obviously not since he served as President for 12 years.

It has also been brought to my attention that Bill Clinton does not use the computer. I don't recall this coming up in the elections when Bill was running for President. It was also mentioned on TV (but can't be confirmed here) that Hillary also did not use a computer either. If that is true, would we even be talking about McCain's computer abilities. I don't think so. So why don't we get past this nonsense and get on with real issues while our economy is hurting tremendously. I've had enough of this bashing of a man who's injuries were out of his control. God has used McCain's disability to display the best of humanity during times of war and imprisionment. McCain has risen above his war scars & emotional trauma to serve his state & country. It is a true testament to the goodness that God can bring to those who have been through the worst of times.

Recently, our city was blessed by getting to hear Nick Vujicic speak about his live without limbs. If you're interested, watch the video. His entire life is a testimony to God's purpose in one's life no matter what humanity sees as limitations. He travels the world sharing his story and inspiring others. Miraculously, in the video, you can see Nick using the computer. He brushes his hair by himself. He can even swim.

You know, we should not judge folks by their disabilities because we may need the same compassion one day. Nobody is above having a disability.

Every day is a gift from God.

MY SECRET ADDICTION

by Robin

My friend Stephanie just confessed her addiction to doggie shopping here. I'm following suit because I know the truth will set me free.

Hello, my name is Robin and I've been hiding something. I've entered into the world of little dogs and the first thing you see when you walk into Petco are pet clothes. I managed to resist that temptation and get to the dog food aisle. BUT..... I fell very short of my financial thriftiness and splurged on a Halloween costume while on my way to check out.

It's not my fault. Really. They put cute clothes with cute saying and cute bling bling at the entrance doors and another rack of costumes at the check-out line. What am I to do? I'm weak. Having chihuahuas makes me weak. They're kryptonite to my checkbook, I tell ya.

I debated but I could not walk out the door without this bronco & cowboy. (I also have a weakness for horses.)

I could think of nothing else when I came home but putting it onto Captain. I haven't found a costume yet that would fit little Tiki. This is insane. I'm embarassed to say that I've never bought my kids Halloween costumes in September, like I'm buying dog costumes. The fear of it selling out overcame me. Again, ..... I'm weak.

I even coveted my weakness by hiding it at the top of the closet, waiting for October to appear. I was going to bring it out and show Jack, as if I had just gotten it. Oh, I feel awful. Stephanie, thank you for showing me that others can confess their addictions and feel better. I feel much better now too.

Jack, do you still love me, with my new addiction to dogwear? I promise, I won't let it get so bad that we need to build a dog closet. At least there are no shoes for chihuahuas. Whew..... I guess the 401(k) is safe, well....... except for that whole Wall Street thing yesterday.

This poor cowboy had quite the bronco ride during puppy play.

SEPTEMBER HARVEST

This is about the only thing still growing in the heat of summer. herbs and hot peppers. As you can see, I have a nice variety of jalapenos, cayenne, seranno and Hungarian wax.

Sage to be dried.

Rosemary also drying.

Sweet Bell Pepper seeds saved from spring. Seeded on 8/13/08 in Garden #2. I haven't had much success before with recycling my own pepper seeds but I hope I did it better this time.

Puppies in the garden where I just put seeds down. Notice wire cage to keep them off new area.

Sweet Yellow and Hybrid Yellow Onions planted 9/8/08 and they have just broken ground. Again, cages to keep puppies & chickens off the dirt. I'll get close-ups as I have more break ground and make into rows.

Hens in Garden #1 where the big & cherry tomatoes lived before they died in August. I was so sad to see them die off but the chickens love the open dirt to dig & peck into. I have 1 cherry baby and 1 Big Boy tomato plant that surved the summer heat.

This is Garden #1, my main garden at 8x16'. I'm seeing if my spring harvested lettuce seeds are going to take or not. They are in the front where the cage is. I would also like to put in spinach, okra and more tomatoes. I did recompost & much this area. In the back parts of the garden, there is poo-filled hay from the chickens coop. It should also help the replace soil nutrients. I also tried reseeding some cilantro & sweet basil in the very back but didn't put a cage over it. I wonder if the hens will leave it alone to grow.

Jack's New Friend

by Robin

Two weekends ago, I was doing dishes when I happened to look out my window and see this:

The quality isn't great because it is through a window & a screened in porch but you get the idea.

I couldn't resist taking a couple pics. Jack is a Key West native and so he grew up with chickens around the island. I don't think he had any as pets but there's no time like the present to have chickens as pets. LOL

Then, I went outside only to see that he was coming to show me that he had caught Penny. He posed for these pictures. He may look like a tough burly man on the outside but on the inside, he's a sensitive guy who loves animals.

See, I told you he loves animals!!

LIFE IS NEVER DULL!!

Entertainment by Chickens & Puppies




If I have to lay an egg for my country, I'll do it. --
Bob Hope

Our prayers go out to those whose lives were forever changed by 9/11 and for those in the military which are fighting to keep America safe. THANK YOU.

Lipstick

If you put lipstick on a chicken, is it still a chicken? Is it a hockey mom? Is it a pit bull? Is it a pig?

You tell me.

PASS THE PLATE

by Robin & the boys

Probably one of the most private things in the world is an egg until it is broken. ---M. F. K. Fisher


The boys are cooking freshly laid eggs.


Real Fresh!!

Really, they thought they tasted great, but it's hard to smile when you're eating. Then, I put the camera down. But when I went to upload the pictures, there was an extra photo. Look closely at the bottom of the picture.

Psalm 73

Psalm 73:7-8, 16-17

From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. ........When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. (i.e. putting it in perspective)

v28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.


Rarely to I air dirty laundry on my blog but I have such a connection that I found it worth blogging.

I got a typical medical bill in the mail today. No biggie except it is my first copy & I have a late charge on it. What? So, I call the office and happen to get the Office Manager. In short, they sent a copy in June & July to our former home address (moved 6/07) with it coming back to them saying "Return to Sender". I guess by August 31st, they corrected the address and the bill comes to me. The woman acts like I am to blame but agrees to waive the minimal finance charge.

So, she asks me to give her my new address. I gave it but then thought...... wait, the bill HAS the new address on it. I mentioned it to her and the woman wants to FIGHT with me that they didn't have it. I truly felt like I was arguing with a 3 yo. "Yes you do, No we don't, Yes you do, No we don't." (I am sending her a copy of her own bill so she can see that they had my address.)
Ugh. What is the world coming to?

And we wonder why we have issues like the following......

Middle School Statistics in Brev Co.

Quoted from the article:
"The rate of minor violations, such as skipping detention and classroom misconduct, has been on the rise for six of the past seven years, including the past two, while the rate of serious offenses steadily declined each year. Still, both serious and minor incidents in middle schools outpaced those at the high school level. Serious incidents include fighting, drug and tobacco use and possession, battery and making threats against others.

Showing disrespect toward teachers and insubordination -- the blatant refusal to follow directions or rules -- were among the most common minor violations committed by middle-schoolers. "

FYI - Our county's middle school system has had 7 false bomb threats this spring semester alone!! Those were the major violations.

More from the article:
"They just don't have all the decision-making and coping skills that they need, because they aren't adults, they're children," she said. "That middle school kid needs to have a little time to grow and mature."

No...... what they need is Christ. Their parents need Christ. They need Christian friends. They need Christian values. What the office manager needs is a chill pill and Christ.

Rom 3:10 says that there is nobody who is righteous, not even one. We've all sinned & fallen short of God's glory, me included. (Rom 3:23) Nobody can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again (John 3:3) and yet, ............... that the answer is simple. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord (of your life), be sorry for your sins and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead and you are saved /born again (Rom 10:9-11)

I'm praying for you dear blog reader. (& the office manager)

Robin

AWARD DAY!!!!!
by Robin

BRILLIANT WEBLOG Award

Given to me by FL Mom on The Narrow Path . Thank you for honoring us.

Brilliant is defined as ... full of light; shining; glorious; magnificent; superb; wonderful; marked by extraordinary powers of intellect or invention.

The rules of this award are:
1. Display the award on your blog.
2. Post a link to the person who has awarded you.
3. Pass this award on to at least 7 other blogs.
4. Post links to the blogs you award.
5. Leave a note in the comments on the blogs you award.

I am passing this award to:
Cornish Adoption Journey - Adopting Down's Babies
Roda's blog - preacher's wife & homeschool mom
Renee's Ethiopian & Ghanian Adoptions
NO More counting the Costs - adoption
From Under the Laundry Pile - hs mom & marathon runner
Owlhaven - mom to 10, 6 of them adopted
Paradoxuganda - Missionaries from Uganda


"I LOVE YOUR BLOG" Award

Given by Stephanie . Thank you for loving our blog & all the fishermen's pets.

The rules of the award are:
1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you’ve nominated.

I am passing this award along to:

Choice Central - Woman on a mission
Wendy - you need to blog more!
Andrea - real & transparent homeschooling from special needs to adoptions (great art too)
Rose in S. FL
Carletta "Jazzy" -Successful Homeschooling
Trish - missionary in Honduras & homeschool mom
Robin's Reports - fishing blog - Yeah, it's unfair but it never gets awards.

Thanks and congratulations everybody!!!

NO VACANCY (for lap space that is)
by Robin


They're both active by day and snugglers by night.



"I may not be little like that runt but I love to be held too!"



"Close your eyes when we pray."





"Look!! My ears are finally going up!" (Sometimes)





My lap, as I blog. Covered up in dogs. Poor Sam would love to be on me too.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY -

THE 10:45 BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

by Robin