Report cards for parents

City Considers Grading Parents

MANCHESTER, Conn. -- A member of the Manchester Board of Education has proposed grading parents of the district's students with report cards.

Steve Edwards said the idea is meant to get more parents involved in their children's academic careers and to make them more responsible.

"There are people who see it as anti-parent, I see it as pro-parent," Edwards said.

The idea stirred controversy in Chicago after a short-term implementation.

Parents who spoke to Eyewitness News said that they are considering the idea.
"I think it's a good idea because I don't think parents step up to the plate these days," said Manchester parent Maureen Madrak.

If passed, teachers would keep tabs on parents in five different areas. Teachers would evaluate whether students are doing their homework, arriving at school on time, eating a good breakfast, dressed appropriately for the weather and if parents are actively participating in parent-teacher conferences.

"This isn't a program to evaluate a program or someone's lifestyle -- this is a program to help figure out how kids can succeed in school," said Edwards.

Edwards said currently the plan is just an idea and that he plans to discuss it more at future Board of Education Committee meetings.


~~~~Nikki Here.....Interesting article. Hmmmm if parents fail on their report card, do they get grounded by their child??? Detention maybe? Joking aside....Parents need to be involved!!!
There is a book I am very interested in reading called Screamfree Parenting. I will start reading it soon and posting info about it here. If its really good, I might want to start a once a month book club about this book. OOPS, if i say it outloud, I might have to actually do it :) :)
Be Blessed
Nikki

Been in Ohio for 1 year now

Well, the one year mark has come and gone.
What a crazy year its been. That is for sure!!!
When we arrived in Ohio, I hadn't even seen the home we were going to live in.
But God worked it out.
The kids and I managed to get thru the time without Mike here.
God worked it out.
Once Mike arrived home, the retirement pay and unemployment monies were no where to be found...
God worked it out.
With the job situation, so many doors were shut, couldn't understand why...
God worked it out.
Now, Mike likes his job in Pittsburgh and we can see how God was working the whole time.
Remember, God IS working in our lives. Whether it is painful or not, He is working.
Sometimes the anvil is painful but He is molding us. Call it growing pains I guess but God WILL work it out

NIkki

A neat thought on Pumpkins :)

THis was sent to me in an email and I thought it was a neat thought :)



Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light insi de you to shine for all the world to see. This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin. I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch.

Just an update :)

Hello!
Wow, its been a couple of weeks since I last wrote and really, my last few posts have just been some neat video's I've found.

Things here are good.
Mike still likes his job in Pittsburgh.
I miss having him home and having the ease of having my van at all times but I'll get used to it again. Its a good thing I'm 4 houses from Convenient Store :)

Michael is now working pretty much full time at Deluxe toy and hobby store in Martins Ferry which is also only a block and a half from our house.

Joey and Tony and Angel are working on school and soon will be making plans for Thanksgiving Feast!! Joey is my cook so I hope maybe he can come up with something really delicious. It will be our 1st Thanksgiving in many many MANY years to be here with family.

My daycare certification is coming along. WHen I talked to my worker, she said she is hoping within a month or so ...to have the interview with me and be done! SOoooo, that means working on my house to getting everything done that needs to be done for it. With my certification, it means I can accept state paid kids. I wish I had kids in here now but so far, nothing.

Well, there is an update. Sorry its been so few and far between. I think of things to write about as I lay in bed, then forget by the time I wake up....

More later
Be Blessed
Nikki

Keep praying for those in war....

Beautiful to watch...Imagine...

Use your imagination as you watch this video....
Be Blessed
Nikki

Special for all mothers!!!!!

What book is described here?

Always have a book at hand, in the parlor, on the table, for the family; a book of condensed thought and striking anecdote, of sound maxims and truthful apothegms. It will impress on your own mind a thousand valuable suggestions, and teach your children a thousand lessons of truth and duty. Such a book is a casket of jewels for your housebold. - Tryon Edwards


Hmmmm the only book that would really teach truth to your children is the B-I-B-L-E!

Looking for a job?

A friend of mine Beth Johnson sent me this in an email...
Enjoy.

If you are not working in the church because no one has given you a job, wait no longer.

Christ has a job for you.

1. Feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, help strangers, clothe the naked, visit the sick (Matthew 25:34-40).
2. Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).
3. Comfort one in trouble (2 Corinthians 1:4).
4. Do good, communicate (Hebrews 13:16).
5. Warn the unruly (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
6. Restore one overtaken (Galatians 6:1).
7. Study the Scriptures (John 5:39).
8. Teach (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
9. Give (Matthew 5:42; 10:42).
10. Sing (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19).
11. Pray (Matthew 6:9-15).
12. Bear fruit (Philippians 1:11; 4:15-17).
13. Increase your faith in God (John 6:29).
14. Exhort one another daily (Hebrews 3:13).

Christ has already handed out the assignments. Let us strengthen our hands to the task that is before us.



It gave me something to think about.
With so many "jobs" to do, I should never have reason to say I'm bored lol.

Be Blessed
Nikki

The America We Love to Call our Own!!!

You can read about this beautiful boy here :

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/20/burned.boy.surgery/index.html

This boy while living in his own home country had someone pour gasoline on him and burn him.

He survivied and someone here in America heard about this story and he is now in the States and doctors here are doing the surgeries necessary for him.

Read the story at the link above and for those Christians who read this, PLEASE pray for him, the doctors and all who are caring for this boy.

This story brought tears to my eyes and also the heart of those who are caring for this child.

We are blessed, people, blessed to be living in a nation that cares about people. Not just people that look like us, but all people.

Nikki

PS Mike starts work with the security agency on Friday!!!!

What should I write about today?

I clicked on my blog site, and sat here.....thinking...." What am I going to write about today?"

I thought that I should be writing something to inspire those who read it, but I've got nothin'.....

I thought that you all are tired of me writing the same old thing about family....but that is really all I have to write about .



So, in order to update my blog ....back to the same old stuff I guess lol.



Mike: Had his 3rd job interview yesterday with this security agency. One way or another, he should be working for this agency in some manner. The one job he was applying for ...the interview went well but the owner of the company said if this position didn't get filled by him, he wants to offer Mike another position. Not many details on that...but we should hear something by the end of the week. Hahaha....I feel funny saying that cause that is what they told us before and it took two weeks lol.



Me: Lost two daycare kids yesterday. I only have 3. Two kids that come 2 days a week....and one little boy who comes 1.5 hours a week lol. The two kids that come twice a week were good kids and Angel and Tony had alot of fun with them. They will be missed.

I'm glad to see the warmer weather returning for a bit cause I really haven't had the time to go shopping for cooler weather clothing lol. Uh oh...did I say that?



Kids: They are doing fine. Michael is glad to be home and the kids are glad to have him here.

Our homeschooling year is going fine. Joey is moving right along. We've started now for 2 weeks and already have turned in quite a bit of work to American School of Correspondence.

I really would like him to graduate early to take a year of working before he heads off to Culinary School.

Angel joined American Heritage Girls. Its an alternative to Girl Scouts. Its fantastic and she is excited about it very much. The troop is doing a Varity Show for their first fundraiser so she is trying to decide if she wants to do something for it. She is a bit...LOTSABIT...stagefright...so this is a challenge for her. In a couple of weeks is a daycamp for her group too. I will probably be helping out with that so she will have a blast.

Tony recieved a junior metal detector a couple of weeks ago and its perfect timing cause as we are redoing our backyard, he can take it out and find lots of treasures. Ask him about what he has found. He likes to talk about it.

Ok all, there is your update.
Its 9:30 and time to get a move on with my day.
Have a great Tuesday and be Blessed
Pray for the Josephs as they are in the Ukraine now and they need prayers for safety and that they can do God's work while they are there.
Nikki

A beautiful poem

This poem I am posting is written by the grandaughter of a dear friend who teaches for a school in Chennai India. Her grandaughter is only like 13 or 14 years old at the most....what a talent.



The Faithful and Wise Servant

There's dishes piled in the sink,
And laundry left to fold,
The table isn't fully cleared
Of breakfast that is cold.

Throughout the day there's chores to do
That often can be fun,
But there are days when any job
Seems dull to anyone.

These jobs seem unimportant now,
So easy to let slip,
To set aside for later time,
Then carelessly forget.

The foolish servant idly said,
"My Lord delayeth to come;
Those needful things? Some other time!
For now whatever I want."

Then as a thief would come at night,
Unhailed, his Lord returned;
He cast that slothful servant forth
To sorrow and to burn.

But to the servants who had watched,
Who faithfully had labored
In little things, He gave them much,
and blessed them with His favor.

So when I'm wishing I'd a more
Important job to do,
I remember if I'm faithful now,
I'll get the big jobs too.


~Nikki here....What thoughts for a young one to convey so beautifully.
My son Michael returns from Virginia Beach tomorrow!!! YAY!!!
He's been gone a month and its been such a very long month for his mother :)
I need to take some pictures of the house projects we are doing and let you see the home we bought a few months ago. It still has alot of work to do but the jobs require extra money and that we just don't have right now .
My daycare certification is moving along. My references recieved their letters in the mail that they must fill out and answer the questions the state is asking..not sure what the next step is after that but I still have to take a class to get my cpr and first aid certification and take a class in October as well.
Well, I'm off to my work for the day which consists of schooling, laundry, dishes, and I must remember, these are important jobs that I am doing for the Lord. Its a blessing to be home...
Love to you all
Nikki

Remember those of 9-11

Do you remember exactly where you were or what you were doing when you heard the tragic news that the World Trade Center was hit?

I do...

Mike was away with other Navy guys. He had just made chief and was out and about with them.
We lived in Dahlgren, VA then and I was Navy Certified doing childcare and we lived on base.

When this happened, they closed down the base and you couldn't do anything. Those in care had to leave immediately. I didn't know what was happening.

It was the most horrible feeling.

Imagine those who found out they had loved ones in this situation that we were watching.

Those who are on foreign grounds and those fighting here, they are doing this to keep our freedoms alive that we all take for granted.

Let us look back and remember ....do not ever forget....because there are many who lost their lives that day and days following....and those who are still around that will never be the same.

a Poem i found

Thank you Sistah J (whoever you might be for these beautiful words)


I am loved...I am hated.
I am joy anticipated.
I am instruction to the wise.
I am that which fools despise.

I am knowledge on the lips of few.
I am understanding which the diligent pursue.
I am the way which is often rejected.
I am the hedge of those protected.

I am your strength in times of adversity.
I am your peace in the midst of tragedy.
I am the crooked, made straight.
I am the reward of those who wait.

I am shelter in your pouring down rain.
I am He who is able to keep you sane.
I am the hand on the surgeon's knife.
I am the very hand that saved your life.

I am the wind that encompasses your soul.
I am the only one who can make you whole.
I am the river flowing toward your drought.
I am He who breaks shackles with a shout.

I am the book of Genesis through Revelation.
I am the only hope of your salvation.
I am the First and the Last.
I am the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit...all in one cast.Who am I?
I will tell you, even as I told Moses...I AM THAT I AM.

Copyright © 1998 By Sistah J

Prayer Service

I very much enjoyed our prayer service we had last night at National Road.
It was fantastic to gather with our fellow brethern and offer God our prayers in the many subjects we covered.

I wish we did that more often.

Here on the homefront, nothing much has changed.
Still waiting to hear about a job....
and still waiting for his retirement pay to get fixed.

and Oh how sweet it is to wait upon the Lord.....

Life

Hello!
I almost didn't want to write anything cause there's not much that has changed right now.
Mike still hasn't heard anything from the security agency he applied with and interviewed for. He called them on Friday and they had just finished up with their last interview with a candidate so anytime this week, he should hear something. I find myself looking at the phone and trying to get get them to call telepathicthy.....yeah yeah ...pathetic I know.

Our official first day of school was yesterday. It went well. So well, I don't feel like babysitting today...just want to spend that time with my kids...

Mike never got his retirement pay into his bank.....
Hmmm......this sure is getting old. Of course, we called and of course, the admin office said they will look into it. So....here we are again, no pay, no unemployment....its ALMOST funny....and I did emphasize ALMOST....

Michael should be coming home Saturday the 15th. I am thankful for that. I miss him....
Can a person be thankful yet a bit apprehensive too????

Ok, there's your update. From the sound of my writing today, it seems I'm a bit down in the dumps....guess I am...with all of this stuff going on, its really hard not to feel it once in a while.

Please pray Mike gets this job.
Pray that Donna doesn't need a new car.
Pray that our new homeschool year is a success.
Pray for Michael's safety coming home.
Pray for Mike and Nikki's spiritual outlook as we go thru this tough time....
He seems to be doing great. I usually am, but feel a bit down today.
Thanks family.

Love to you all

NIkki

Watch this fantastic video!!

I came across this on one of my emails.
Now at first, I wasn't sure what I was watching but as you watch, you will catch on. It brought tears to my eyes. Its a skit put on by some teens....

Its fantastic..a little long but worth the time to see it..

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

Delinquents...who are they?

I came across this...I like it. Tell me what you think?




We read in the paper, we hear on the air, Of killing and stealing and crime everywhere;
We sigh and we say, as we notice the trend: “This young generation . . . where will it end?”
But can we be sure it’s their fault, alone?

Too much money to spend; too much idle time;
Too many movies of passion and crime;
Too many books not fit to be read;
Too much evil in what they hear said;
Too many kids encouraged to roam; Too many parents who don’t stay at home.


Youth don’t make the movies;
They don’t write the books that paint
The pictures of gangsters and crooks.
They don’t make the liquor, they don’t run the bars,
And they don’t make the cars;
They don’t make the drugs that addle the brain:
It’s all done by older folks, greedy for gain.
In how many cases we find that it’s true . . . The label, “Delinquency,” fits older folks, too.
—Mrs. E. B. Grant

Attitude is everything..

(recieved this in an email and wanted to pass along)

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs onher head.
"Well", she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"Hmmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"
So she did and she had a grand day.


The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything ..



Is your glass half empty or half full?

PS. I am looking for a list of good, Christian literature.
Send me your faves my way!!
Just comment me with title and author :)
Nikki

School year appoaching!

Well, another school year is approaching for this homeschool family!!
THis will make our 12th. Hard to believe sometimes. I hear so often, " So are you STILL homeschooling?" And of course my answer continues to be, " Of course!" I can't imagine it any other way. John Taylor Gatto wrote a book called Dumming us Down. If you have never read it and have children in the system, you should read it. He was a public school teaching in New York City and it is excellent!

As this year approached, I find myself focused on more spiritual things with my teaching. If my children have the best academics available but have no moral or spiritual teaching, then they are gaining knowledge of the world and losing the wisdom of God. I need to keep my priorities straight.

We are trying something a bit new this year. Unit studies. At least for Angel and Tony. Joey is still enrolled with the American School of Correspondence and then we add in our own subjects as he needs.

Ron's lessons on reading the bible have touched me tremendously.

So, here is my questions for you today.

Where is your bible? Dusty? Feeling neglected?
Remember, no other place in the world can you find the actual words of GOD!!

Think on that :)

Nikki