vi mom

2012-01-23T06:09:00.000-08:00

Books I've read this year:

Scandalous by DA Carson In a nutshell, the uniqueness of the way God saved us from our sins is scandalous. Carson looks at the unusual way Jesus lived, died and was resurrected--we've heard the story and take it for granted.

The Chronicles of Narnia I like to read this series every year. The books are so encouraging, wholesome and uplifting. I finish each book with a smile of satisfaction.

In process: America's Great Depression by Murray Rothbard This book on economics and business cycles was written in 1963, but when I read the first chapter, I thought it had been written recently. Solomon's adage that "There is nothing new under the sun" certainly holds true when it comes to government and economics. Although this is not a quick read, I have gained understanding of the underlying principles of how the economy works.

2012-01-23T05:54:00.000-08:00

I've now lost 21 pounds! Thanking God for helping me find a program that works for me.

2012-01-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

It's a feeling good day! I am down two pants sizes and need to take in my clothes. I'm back on HCG and going to the Schwarz Wellness Center. Time to pull out the sewing machine!

http://www.schwarzwc.com/Home.html

2011-11-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

I'm liking Newt Gingrich better and better too. I took an online quiz about a month ago and surprisingly, he came out first on the list of candidates most in agreement with my views. Rick Santorum was a close second.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204190704577026041280212400.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

2011-11-08T05:42:00.000-08:00

The HCG drops program continues to work. I have now lost 15 pounds! This is day 22. 18 days left to go! I'm now having to wear a belt with my slacks.

2011-10-24T08:24:00.001-07:00

Eight pounds off in ONE week!

2011-10-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

Lost another pound--seven pounds in six days. So what do I eat on a 500 calorie diet? I start the day with a liter of water, and then around 8:00am I drink tea or coffee sweetened with stevia. If I am hungry before lunch, I eat my fruit. Usually that is an apple because it fills me up most. Lunch is 3 1/2 ounces of fat free beef, chicken, fish or shrimp and a vegetable. I can also have one piece of melba toast if I need it. I go without unless I am super hungry. Dinner is the same--one fruit, one veggie, 3 1/2 ounces of meat, and melba toast. My kinds of veggies and fruits are limited--no starchy vegetables or high sugar/calorie fruits. I'm not supposed to have any fat or touch any oils. I can have all the lemon and stevia I want. The HCG keeps me from feeling too hungry. I take it three times per day. Also, I am supposed to drink 3 liters of water per day. That doesn't always happen. And that is my life for 40 days!

2011-10-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

It has been hard at times--to stick to a 500 calorie diet, but it is worth it! I've lost six pounds in five days. I can again fit in a pair of my jeans.

2011-10-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

I made it through my first 500 calorie day. It wasn't easy. I made the mistake of going to Walmart in the middle of the afternoon. I was hungry. The sight of candy and baked goods everywhere made it worse. The other hard thing is smelling what everyone else is cooking. Tomorrow will probably be about the same. The third day it is supposed to get better. What a difference a day makes! Just yesterday I was sick of eating high calorie foods.

2011-10-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

So I'm starting a new diet program this week. I'm using HCG drops under the care of a naturopath. The program starts by taking the drops for two days and eating like a fat-loving pig. Then the plan drops to 500 calories per day for up to 40 days. The HCG drops keep me from feeling hungry. I should lose 1/2 to 1 pound a day if it works the way they say. Fortunately, I have a few specific things to eat. Everything else is off limits! Keeps it simple.

Neutrinos and the Speed of Light

2011-10-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

For a few weeks, it looked like the speed of light had been beat. However, based on this article, Einstein's theory of relativity still reigns.

http://dvice.com/archives/2011/10/speedy-neutrino.php

2011-09-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

Bethany turned 21 on Friday. What does that mean for us? It means no more dental insurance, and we are left hanging with a $5000 bill for porcelain crowns. It means $1000 dental bills per year, and that is if we don't have to do anything extra. It means being forced into managed care and having little choice regarding doctors. It means having to get permission from the insurance company before seeing a doctor. Do I sound happy?

2011-09-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

I saw this at Dennis Prager's facebook page. All I can say is wow! Noelle will be happy to know that politics really has no imagination. What goes around comes around.

Wall Photos

‎"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest (we) become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance."

-Cicero (1st Century, B.C.)

9 What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done,
and there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there a thing of which it is said,
“See, this is new”?
It has been already
in the ages before us.

-Ecclesiastes 1:9-10

By: Prager University

2011-09-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought my interest in Phonehenge was over. Then I saw this video posted on their facebook page. I thought it interesting that NO ONE in authority would tell the media group that developed this video why they were making these people tear down their homes and leave their land.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw3RiMdS7sE

2011-08-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

Our Bethany has been much fussier than normal. She demonstrated this for Bob Doman with NACD today. I'm praying for a resolution to the problem since we don't know what is causing her misery. She did have a seizure on the way home and was calm after that. I'm wondering if her medications are part of the problem--one seizure medication causes anxiety. Maybe I will try adjusting them again.

Life with a special needs young person is exhausting at times! On the plus side, she is now letting me know when she wants to go to bed, and that is often around 9pm. She will stand in front of me and fuss until I put her in bed. : ) I wish she could talk.

2011-08-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

There are just too many examples of government overreach. This one is regarding the Gibson Guitar company which has been in business since the 1800's. It is one of the few companies hiring people, but it has the misfortune to be in Tennessee which is a "right to work" state. Obviously, the company has not bribed the right people in Washington. Sometimes I just want to scream.

http://www.thenewamerican.com/tech-mainmenu-30/environment/8780-feds-raid-gibson-guitar-to-save-endangered-foreign-trees

2011-08-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

Sad update to Phonehenge: the judge is insisting that Phonehenge be torn down, so the building was demolished yesterday. The judge delayed sentencing of Kim Fahey until September. His crime? Building a unique building without getting the proper building permits. This was after he had attempted to get permits several times and the department had lost them twice.

He probably won't go to jail since he is tearing the building down, but he could have received a six year sentence. This man has never been in trouble with the law--how is justice served and how are property rights protected?

It seems to me that our government is too big at both the county and federal level.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-phonehenge-demolition-20110806,0,5264827.story

2011-08-06T20:20:00.001-07:00

And today I read yet another example of government overreach. Is this really what government officials should be doing? Why?

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/omkara/2011/aug/6/rawsome-foods-raided-sad-day-america/

2011-07-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

I won't go into how this started, but I feel that the terms liberal, conservative, republican and democrat all need to be defined. After looking up conservative, I realized that this is not as easy as it appears, and that may account for disagreement. If we don't agree on what the terms mean, we can't really discuss them at all.

First, let me say that the terms liberal and democrat do not mean the same thing, and neither do republican and conservative.

Let me start with conservative, since I consider myself to be a conservative with a libertarian bent. I guess I should eventually define libertarian too.

The Wikipedia definition of conservative is "Holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation, typically in relation to politics or religion."

According to the link below, "A conservative adheres to principles of personal responsibility, moral values, and limited government, agreeing with George Washington's Farewell Address that "religion and morality are indispensable supports" to political prosperity.^[1]^[2]

Former President Ronald Reagan said, "The basis of conservatism is a desire for less government interference or less centralized authority or more individual freedom."^[3]"

http://www.conservapedia.com/Conservative

However, the conservative viewpoint is often based on radical beliefs and actions, so it doesn't strictly conform to the idea of always being cautious about change and innovation. After all, the conservative often holds to the Christian faith which turned the world upside down. He also supports our founding fathers who definitely fought against maintaining the status quo. Also, it is the pro-life conservative who will take a stand at abortion clinics even though abortion is legal in America.

Jonah Godberg addresses this in his post about conservatism. According to him, it is not easy to define:

http://old.nationalreview.com/goldberg/goldberg200505111449.asp
I would say that in America, a conservative believes in liberty rather than equality. As relates to money, most conservatives would want lower taxes with the right of the person who earned the money to decide how to use it. This would result in some people who cannot or do not earn money being poorer than the person who works to earn his money.

This is only scratching the surface of the subject of conservatism, but it is a start.

2011-07-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

I spent the entire week cleaning the kitchen--taking my cue from my daughter-in-love Kris, I worked on throwing out or giving away the items we rarely or never use. Now I have room for the stuff we do use. It is so nice to have a clean kitchen. I wonder how long it will stay that way?

I think the part I most enjoyed was throwing out the rusty pans and cookie sheets we do use and buying new ones! It is much more fun to cook with shiny non-stick cookie sheets.

2011-07-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

This is Holmes' parents' shortcake recipe--I think Mrs Bryan cut the dough into nice round cakes. They are thin, crispy and rich! Two sticks of butter and two cups of flour makes a nice batch. Top with strawberries and cool whip or whipped cream.

Grandpa’s Shortcake

1 stick butter per cup of flour
3-6 teaspoons cold water

Mix flour and butter with fork, add water and continue mixing until a smooth dough. Roll out on a floured board, cut out and bake for 15-18 minutes at 400º.

2011-06-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

Another link to add to the Phonehenge info--this blogger theorizes that LA county stands to make more money in property taxes if they can get the poor people to give up their land.
http://ccrg123.blogspot.com/2011/04/eradicate-thy-neighbor-how-one-los.html

2011-06-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

I came across "Phonehenge" on facebook--maybe it was a link from SaveCalifornia.com. This sad story has touched me and led me to pray for a better outcome for this family. The LA county bureaucrats are not only making Kim tear down his work of art, but insisting that very poor people tear down their small homes--leaving them homeless. I wonder why the county wants to get rid of these people. I also wonder how this is legal and why the right to personal property is no longer the law of the land.

http://www.savephonehengewest.org/index.htm

This story is from the LA Times--an excellent expose' of what is going on.

http://www.laweekly.com/2011-06-23/news/l-a-county-s-private-property-war/7/

This video tells Kim's side of the story and shows where he lives and what he built. I'd say the structure is comparable in quality to the treehouse at Disneyland.

http://vimeo.com/25522126

What the constitution says about property rights.

Constitutional founders

An explanation of property rights and laws by Cato institute:

http://www.cato.org/pubs/handbook/hb111/hb111-34.pdf

2011-06-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

Bethany now has an ipad. It is great fun, easy to carry, and offers numerous apps. I think it (and similar devices) will eventually take the place of most computers. What do you think?

2011-05-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

My friend, Andi Hart, makes keepsake bears in memory of loved ones. Here is a link to her website on etsy.Andi Hart's bears

2011-02-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

Bits of poetry

float through my head

like whispers of wind

and disappear

never to return.

Yes, it's poetry season in Writeshop I!

2010-12-26T14:27:00.000-08:00

Pictures from the Bryan family Christmas 2010.

2010-12-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

I haven't written anything since the election! I guess I've been too disappointed in our golden state--it seems to be fools' gold instead.

BUT the good news is that Noelle's book, The Monkey and the Sock, is published! Here is the link, and you may use a discount code to purchase it.

createspace.com/3498772

Use the code RCTWVREZ for $5.00 off or PN588W5T for a 40% discount.

2010-10-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

I have studied and prayed and now I have completed my ballot. For background information and links, read my older post. My recommendations are as follows:

For all elected state and national offices, I voted straight Republican.

Judges:
Tani G Cantil-Sakauye--NO
Ming Chin----NO
Carlos Moreno--NO
Judith McConnell--NO
Manuel Ramirez--YES
Carol Codrington--YES
David Sills--NO
William Bedsworth--YES
Eileen Moore--NO

State Superintendent
Larry Aceves

SB County Board of Ed.
James Tate

SB Community College
Don Nydam, Donna Ferracone, James Ramos

SB Valley Water District
Pat Milligan

Propositions
19 NO
20 YES
21 NO
22 YES
23 YES
24 NO
25 NO
26 YES
27 NO

San Bernardino Measure C
Yes

For more information: Check the rest of this blog and my notes on facebook

2010-10-09T20:15:00.001-07:00

Great source for how to vote!

How I voted is in the post before this one. Here I am posting all the background information I used to come to my decisions.

This one reminds us of Jerry Brown's past.
http://www.jerrybrownfactcheck.com/

This one provides information from a Christian perspective and gives recommendations for the judges.
http://www.electionforum.org/2010-nov-san-bernardino-county.html#ussenate

Abel Maldanano info--don't like him or Mike Villines, but I am voting for both.

Lieutenant Governorby Teresa J Bryan on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 5:24pmWell, I know I am opposed to very pro-gay, environmental activist Gavin Newsom. But what about Abel Maldonano? He is the guy who cast a tie-breaking vote to raise our CA taxes two years ago. He is a moderate Republican. However, I looked at his voting record, and it isn't too bad. So I will probably cast a reluctant vote for Maldonano. I think he is a politician before a Republican, and a Republican before a conservative. However, he is the lesser of two evils.
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a35/Pressroom/Press/pdf/10.02.05MaldonadoVotingRecord.pdf

PropositionsBy Teresa J Bryan · Wednesday, October 6, 2010I pay close attention to McClintock's suggestions, and this link offers his advice on how to vote on the propositions in November.http://www.tommcclintock.com/blog/tom-mcclintock-on-the-propositions
My research on Meg Whitman vs Jerry Brown for governorby Teresa J Bryan on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 8:07amI am researching Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown. Hopefully, this will offer balance and information to help make an informed voting decision.
Moral Issues:
Meg Whitmanhttp://www.megwhitman.com/on_the_record.php
Meg Whitman's main flaw on moral issues is that she is pro choice. However, she believes in laws that restrict abortion and believes in parental consent. She does not believe the government should pay for abortion.
She is pro marriage between a man and a woman and is for proposition 8. She believes in civil unions for homosexuals. She is opposed to legalizing marijuana and is for second amendment rights-- the right to own a gun. Regarding health care, she believes the private system works best as opposed to nationalizing it.

Jerry Brownhttp://www.jerrybrown.org/civil-rights
Jerry Brown is pro choice. He strongly supports abortion and having the government pay for it. From his website:Continued state funding for abortions for low-income women after passage of the Hyde Amendment in 1976, which cut off federal funding for abortions. Signed the “Pregnancy Freedom of Choice Act” giving unmarried women under the age of 21 the opportunity for state-funded prenatal care and counseling. I also signed a bill to require county health clinics to provide physicians and surgeons with lists of family planning and birth control clinics. He is a strong believer in gay rights and gay marriage and refused to defend prop. 8--the defense of marriage act although as attorney general he was obligated to uphold the law of the state.
He is for the 2nd amendment (gun rights) and opposes the legalization of marijuana.
My position based on moral issues: Meg Whitman is the more conservative choice.

San Bernardino Community College Electionby Teresa J Bryan on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 5:20pmI recommend Don Nydam for sure. He is a Christian and comes with excellent experience and credentials.
Recommended by the Anackers:

Donna Ferracone
James Ramos

2010-10-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

How I am voting: For the state elections, I am voting straight Republican. I don't care much for Abel Maldonano or Mike Villines, but the democratic choices are worse.
I have studied Brown and Whitman, and based on Brown's record of raising taxes and pushing environmental issues at the expense of business, Whitman is the better choice for the business climate in California. She is somewhat better on moral issues as well, although she seems to speak out of both sides of her mouth in an attempt to win votes.
Although Carly Fiorina is called a moderate, I've heard her on talk radio shows, and she seems to be a true conservative. She is a successful, wealthy businesswoman and I think many people are jealous of her.

Propositions: I'm following McClintock's advice:
http://www.tommcclintock.com/blog/tom-mcclintock-on-the-propositions
19-no
20-yes
21-no
22-yes
23-yes
24-no
25-no
26-yes
27-no

Interestingly, Meg Whitman is practically the same on the propositions. The only difference is that she is opposed to 23--the one that would stop the new environmental rules. She instead plans to suspend them for a year when she gets into office so she can study them. I would rather get rid of them altogether, so I go with McClintock on this one.

Now I need to study the much more difficult local elections and judges. More is coming!

2010-10-07T22:12:00.000-07:00

Luke 5:1-11 Last night in GA, we had a lesson on this passage where Jesus said "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Hearing that verse, my immediate reaction is "What can we do to be fishers of men?", and that is what I asked the girls. The response: pray for them, read the Bible to them, give them Bibles, set a good example.

So, this morning I thought more about that verse and I realized something. As Christians, our focus isn't supposed to be on trying to fish for men. Instead, it should be on following Jesus. He is the one who then makes us fishers of men. My question should have been "How do you follow Jesus?"

2010-09-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

Cleaning Jon's room (a little!) Sweet memories . . . .

2010-09-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Did Jon really move?

Sarah's room

Well, my two middle children moved out this week--Jon is renting a room in Highland, and Sarah is on a nine month mission trip to Argentina. To his credit, Jon is working full time
and I don't think he is done!

2010-08-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

I cleaned out my closet, and look what I found!

Your Mom from outer space!

Playing with iphoto booth!

2010-08-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

Free in Christ--"You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32

What is truth? Jesus says, "I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life." John 14:6 If we know Jesus, we know the truth and we are free in Christ.

How am I free? I am free from slavery to sin and to my flesh. I have eternal life right now through Jesus Christ. I am free from the struggle to do right. Jesus lives his life through me (as I daily surrender to him) and works through me in service. My body is earthly and sinful, dying day by day, but my spirit is alive in Jesus and eternal. One day I will be set free from my earthly body--set free from wrong desires, wrong thoughts, wrong actions forever! But right now, through the power of Jesus, I can overcome my fleshly desires. He lives his life through me!

Like Martha, I have spent many years trying to serve and do things for God. But God wants me to be like Mary and know Him. As I know Him, I then serve Him out of love instead of obligation. I allow Jesus to work through me in ministry to others.

Note: The above is a work in progress and is based on my study of the book Grace Walk by Steve McVey, the books of Romans and John, and sermons by our pastor, Rob Zinn.

2010-08-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Around the dinner table:

Earlier this week, I suggested to Jonathan that he visit Loyola Marymount, the graduate school he may be attending this fall, and peruse the bulletin boards for jobs and a place to live.

He replied, "Mom, Loyola is a Catholic school. Catholic schools don't have bulletin boards, they have stained glass windows. Baptists have bulletin boards. If Baptists saved relics like the Catholics, they'd hang them on bulletin boards."

2010-07-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

Patrick Henry

Governor of Virginia, Patriot

"This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed."

2010-02-04T10:37:00.000-08:00

Thoughts on Toyota:

Rush Limbaugh is focusing on thoughts that have been in my mind since the Toyota recall. Since our family owns three Toyotas, this story has been of special interest to me. Our government owns a car company, GM, which competes with Toyota. Toyota was the leading car seller last year. GM is only making it with government assistance. Another friend of our current government, the UAW, has campaigned against Toyota because they don't hire union members.

Are you thinking what I am thinking? Perhaps our government has ulterior motives in going after Toyota in such a big way. This is not to say that Toyota doesn't need to fix its car problems, but the problem is tiny and, according to the Wall Street Journal, happens occasionally with all kinds of autos.

In my experience, the Toyota is a great car! I hope our government does not do permanent damage to this company; after all, it keeps 30,000 automakers employed in America.

2010-01-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

Poem I wrote at the age of ten:

The Flower

I saw a little flower
Drooping in the sun.
I gave it a drink of water,
But it looked at me and said,
Thank you, but I am almost dead.

2010-01-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

Trust Jesus Only

I have tried to trust myself-
I've tried it day by day--
but when I think I have made it,
Old Satan steals that day;
it is only right that you should too,
set your standards high;
but if you are honest,
you will admit you have failed the same as I.

It seems we are determined to
bungle this life,
I am very sad to say,
but if we will trust in Him
he will forgive our wrongs
and conduct us Home some day.

by Charles R Watson--Pops' Father
in church bulletin, March 19, 1967

2010-01-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

Holmes learned how to cook omelets while watching Julia, so he made them for our Christmas breakfast!

2009-12-08T09:20:00.000-08:00

Common Sense Proposals

Today, I will start a new blog section expressing thoughts regarding our government and common sense answers to various problems.

According to the Wall Street Journal ( Tuesday, December 8, 2009 B1), the EPA has announced that carbon dioxide is a danger to human health. If this didn't have such serious ramifications to our society, it would be a laughable matter.

In grade school I was taught that plants need carbon dioxide and humans and animals need oxygen. Plants give off oxygen and humans and animals exhale carbon dioxide. Thus we have a perfectly balanced world.

If the problem of excessive carbon dioxide really exists, the obvious answer is to grow more trees and plants. Instead of fining business or selling and trading carbon credits, discover how much carbon dioxide a tree uses in a day and plant a corresponding number of trees and plants to offset the excess carbon dioxide.

And now the problem is solved, adding color and beauty to the earth. However, the carbon credit business fails and the government can't control our breathing; so don't look for this simple solution anytime soon.

2009-12-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

As Noelle reminded us, today is the first day of advent. I feel better physically than I have in a while, so I wanted to clean house, and I did! Noelle and Mikaija giggled all afternoon while taking pictures and videos and making a cake. I found the other Christmas wreath and hung it up.

Monday, we found out that Bethany's oxygen saturation level may be really low, so I gave her some floradix with iron. She was happy almost all day-singing, giggling and smiling.

2009-10-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Good thing that happened today: septic system didn't back up!

2009-09-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

Problem: what does one do when a church group does not want to study God's word in depth? When a person who questions what is said about Biblical doctrine is ostracized or shut down, what should he do? Find another church? What does it say about a church when the people seem to be lazy about studying and knowing God's word? How did a great church get this way?

2009-08-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

This is the link to the nutritional center that cured Sarah of her allergy and stomach problems. We highly recommend it!

www.LongevityTLC.com

2009-08-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

Our trip to San Francisco--August 3-5--to see my Dad and Mary. They were in Palo Alto for the Senior Olympics. Normally Mary participates, (and her team wins!) but this time she sat out due to recent back surgery.

We took a morning trip to the Golden Gate Bridge--along with numerous people from around the world.

Located near Stanford University in Palo Alto, an unusual church, The Church of Self Realization caught our eyes. Upon closer inspection, we found it to be a Hindu church.

In the evening, we visited with Pops and Mary.

2009-08-09T20:48:00.001-07:00

"I love my lips . . . " actually these are poor Sarah's lips after eating watermelon--tomorrow she goes to the doctor, and she hopefully will begin to resolve her many allergy and stomach problems.

2009-07-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

Summer night--hot, restless,
I am an unwilling audience as
a mockingbird tweedles and chirrups, a jaunty insomniac
a cricket constantly chirps--a distracting good luck charm
And one annoying mosquito buzzes in my ear-- I'd like to smash.

2009-07-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out why we were being charged an $8.00 a month fee on Amazon. . . and I fixed it! So now Noelle's book is making money. Hooray!

2009-07-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

Aloha! Tonight our GA study of missions in Hawaii culminated with a luau. Twenty-two girls attended--a pleasant surprise since there were no classes for parents during our GA time. We played limbo, hot potato, learned a Hawaiian dance, made sand and plaster hands, ate yummy food brought by all the teachers, and heard from a high school student who had just been on a mission trip to Hawaii.

It doesn't get more fun or more exhausting!

2009-06-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

Well, Noelle has sold three books on Amazon, but due to fees she hasn't made any money yet! She needs to sell one more book to start making money. She also has sold two books that we purchased. For every ten books we buy, she has to sell four and a half before she starts making money.

Publishing a book is much easier than doing the marketing!

2009-06-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

Noelle has published her first book through CreateSpace.com and Amazon. The name is The End of Chess, and she is listed as Charity N. Bryan. Here is the link on CreateSpace.
https://www.createspace.com/3385506

I can't get the Amazon link to work,--I don't want to type the incredibly long address-- but you can search for it on Amazon.

Self-publishing is an interesting experience. I used the cheapest publishing method--CreateSpace. I made mistakes and learned a bit, so we'll do better with the next book.

The hard part is marketing the book. So far, we have sold one book and have spent about $80.00. However, most self publishing websites charge $500 to $800. It may be worthwhile to pay the money up front in order to get marketing help.

Noelle considered this to be a practice book, but the story is funny and a good read!
A mysterious adventure, the implausibility of the story tickles the imagination.

2009-06-04T08:14:00.001-07:00

Funny quote:

"You don't get anything clean without getting something else dirty". Cecil Baxter

2009-05-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

I made up a recipe today, so I am going to post it before I forget it.

Bacon Wrapped Sole Fillets

Ingredients:

Sole fillets (2 per person)
Tony Chacheres seasoning
onion--chopped into rectangles
cheddar cheese (probably can use another kind)--cut into large cubes
bacon

Use a 13x9inch dish
Heat oven to 400 degrees

Rinse fish
sprinkle with Tony Chaceres seasoning
Place onion and cheese in center of fish
Roll up
Wrap bacon around fish

After placing all fish in pan or dish, cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Broil for five minutes(or until done) to brown bacon.

I served this with fried rice and a salad. Yum!

2009-05-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

My seventy-eight year old dad, who has been through his share of suffering, pain and loss, likes to quote this verse to me:

Psalm 90:10 (KJV)The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

2009-05-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

Accomplishments galore attended my day today. I figured out how to prepare and send Noelle's manuscript to the copyright office--that just took two hours. As soon as her copyright is recorded, we'll get her first book, The End of Chess, published through Amazon.

This afternoon my vacuum cleaner parts arrived and, believe it or not, I repaired my vacuum all by myself, and it is as good as new! So Sarah doesn't have to buy me that $500.00 vacuum I want after all. :)

2009-05-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

Funny quote from George MacDonald in the fairy tale "Little Daylight":

"But I never knew of any interference on the part of a wicked fairy that did not turn out a good thing in the end. What a good thing, for instance, it was that one princess should sleep for a hundred years! Was she not saved from all the plague of young men who were not worthy of her? And did she not come awake exactly at the right moment when the right prince kissed her? For my part, I cannot help wishing a good many girls would sleep till just the same fate overtook them. It would be happier for them, and more agreeable to their friends."

2009-03-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

I just purchased a steam cleaner from cleanreport.com. I've never had so much fun cleaning! The steam knocks dirt out of corners and off hard to clean edges. I've painlessly cleaned my shower--used the steam cleaner to loosen the dirt and then my bathroom cleaner to finish things up. It also cleaned most of the dirt out of the grout on my bathroom floors. I liked seeing the dirt disappear on my metal thresholds too.

I'm doing a room every few days. I can't wait to try it out on my rock fireplace!
http://www.cleanreport.com/p1107/Everywhere-Steam-Cleaner/product_info.html

2009-02-28T18:01:00.000-08:00

A warm beach day, Saturday offered sunshine and a pleasant breeze. Although we couldn't pay the ocean a visit, we did work outside. I started the process of cleaning out a flower bed. Holmes chopped up branches and cut down more. We're planning to grow veggies this year. Hooray!

2009-01-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

My blog badly needs updating, but it hasn't been a priority lately.

We just have one week of Writeshop II left! Hooray! I've had a great time teaching these students, but I'm tired of the extra work a few students require. In a regular school setting, they would just get D's or F's. Hopefully, they have learned a little bit in our class, but I am not sure their parents have gotten their money's worth. I am so glad to be a co-teacher. I don't think I would be able to deal with unhappy parents. Diane handles all the difficulties.

I think if I ever taught in a regular school setting, I would not allow late work unless it was for a very good reason. I have a new appreciation for teachers who grade multiple essays and have to keep careful records of their students' work. It is so easy to forget to record grades when papers come in late or need more work.

So that is my rant against undisciplined, procrastinating students! I feel much better now.

Since I should really end with a positive note, on the other side of the ledger, (the A and B side) we have mostly conscientious students. I really appreciate their self discipline and hard work!

2009-01-06T22:23:00.000-08:00

As I reflect on the day, I am satisfied with a day of labor. I've studied and prepared for writing classes tomorrow, and hopefully the students will benefit from my work. If not, I know I've done my best! Tomorrow evening will be a time of crafts with me and Bible study with Christa for our GA girls. We are learning about cowboy missions--a new topic for me! I wish I had the money to buy each girl a cowboy hat, but I don't.

2008-12-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 21, we attended church. Because special ed classes are only provided for one hour, I came home after Sunday school and finished preparing lunch. Wanting a bread to go with our pot roast, I decided to try a new biscuit recipe. It was yummy!

2008-12-20T21:51:00.000-08:00

Friday was pump the flat tire day as I picked up Sarah from school and Holmes from the airport. Sarah and I had lunch at Chipotle. It was pretty good--I like Cuca's better. Then we talked all afternoon and evening.

Today I mostly rested--did a little laundry, sewed a skirt for Noelle and did some alterations on Bethany's clothes. We didn't get the day started until 9:30am. On some days, naps are my favorite things! Sarah, pictured, demonstrates napping.

2008-12-18T21:04:00.000-08:00

Today is the 18th day of advent. ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT UNTIL CHRISTMAS! I have gone full circle. The house is fairly picked up, but I must clean up the kitchen! All the presents are wrapped and under the tree. I only have two gifts left to purchase or make.
Jon and Sarah will be coming home tomorrow, but they will eventually show up tonight to watch movies--with friends of course!

2008-12-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 17, I spent getting ready for GA. As usual, I thought of a complicated craft to do for our Christmas party. Since it was complicated, I did most of the work ahead of time! So the house is a mess, but the girls loved the cupcakes, Christmas goodies and the craft. Now I look forward to cleaning house and wrapping gifts!

2008-12-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

We did our Ga program at VLMHP tonight! The girls were great! Since not all the girls came, I spent my time juggling girls around and figuring out who was wearing what costume. Mary and Joseph didn't make it to Bethlehem, so I had to find substitutes! At the end, we sang traditional Christmas carols that we don't sing much in church anymore. I don't know how many people were Christians at the program, but they all loved singing the songs--Joy to the World, Silent Night, O little Town of Bethlehem, and Hark the Harold Angels Sing.

2008-12-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

Ahh, Monday! My normal day to put the house in order . . . Instead I made more mess and Bethany helped! With the GA program at Valencia Lea on schedule for tomorrow, I made and improved costumes. Dad left for N.C. early this morning. Slow and steady, a cold rain has fallen all day, leaving a chill in the house. Even though I want to turn up the heat, I resist, knowing the high priced results.

Bethany screams . . . again. Some days are not happy days for her. Today is one of those days. Happy advent day 15!

2008-12-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

Ham-flavored and spicy, the pinto beans we had for lunch yesterday were surprisingly yummy. I don't normally like them. Our Sunday included Ben and Kris. Dad wrapped a few presents. And that was advent day #14.

2008-12-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

Blogging everyday is difficult! Thursday, Noelle and I celebrated the 11th day of Advent by going to the dessert theater at church. Yesterday, I addressed, signed and mailed our Christmas cards. Last night we watched "Elf", a light-hearted Christmas movie. Today(December 13), so far, I've made chocolate chip cookies and sent a package of goodies and gifts to my Dad in N.O.

2008-12-10T22:13:00.000-08:00

On the tenth day of advent . . . we taught our last writing classes for the year and attempted to make them more fun than usual. Writeshop I included deciphering extremely wordy titles for Christmas songs. Writeshop II incorporated a round robin with a Christmas theme. To top off the day, GA practiced our Christmas program for next week at Valencia Lea. And then, I came home and crashed!

2008-12-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

Today marks the ninth day of advent. An ipod, a camera, and a computer dominated my day today. Yes, Bethany is now the proud owner of an ipod! We will use it to replace our broken CD player, but she will get first priority in its use.

More gifts came in the mail today. Dad attempted to buy Christmas lights for the house--the new led lights that don't use much electricity--but the stores are sold out. He did find three strings, so we'll decorate a little. Last year our electric bill was enormous from the use of our lights, so we will do with less this year.

I talked to Pops. He is disappointed that we won't be there for Christmas. I'll miss being there too, but I do like being at my CA home as well.

2008-12-09T14:03:00.001-08:00

The kitchen is clean! Hooray! On the eighth day of advent, I wrapped some Christmas presents and tried to find the name tags I mislaid.

2008-12-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

The first week of Advent is almost over. Today, Sunday December 7, was truly a day of rest. I rested until I had to warm up leftovers for lunch. After lunch, Noelle and I went shopping for fabric and a few other items, and then we came home and I took another nap! I think I'm finally ready to tackle the kitchen again.

2008-12-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

On the 5th day of advent, Dad called and said he had a lady friend! That was the highlight of that day. But, however, and in addition:

Well, December 5 and 6 went by in a blur of activity as I worked on cleaning house and buying groceries and feeding and feeding and feeding Bethany. Thankfully, on Saturday afternoon, Susan took Bethany off my hands, so I was able to get ready for our SS party on Saturday night.

So on the sixth day of advent, we invited our SS class over for a potluck and fellowship time. We had a good turnout--filled up two tables, and most everyone brought dessert! We had Nedra's pumpkin squares, brownies, cheesecake squares, oreo cookie cheesecake and custard pie. To top off all that dessert, we made homemade whipped cream! Yum! I cooked ham and roast beef for our main dish. We sang Christmas songs and watched Butch's homemade dvd---it had Jon's guitar music playing in the background. Noelle played a Christmas song on the harmonica.

I got to talk to Marco's wife and found out that she is caring for three handicapped children. Her life consists of going to work and then taking someone to the doctor. I'm glad to be caring for only one handicapped child!

2008-12-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

On the fourth day of advent, I looked at my messy kitchen and decided I would eventually clean it. In spite of empty Christmas boxes cluttering the living room, I made the decision to grade writeshop papers. With a dirty picture window staring me in the face, I thought about making Christmas cookies. Tomorrow. . . tomorrow. . . tomorrow. . . .

2008-12-03T17:12:00.001-08:00

On the third day of advent, I didn't clean the kitchen, although it does need it. Instead, I taught two writing classes, decorated t-shirts for angel costumes, and bought the movie Prince Caspian. Teaching GA comes next on the list.

2008-12-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

It's the second day of advent. Today I cleaned the kitchen again and put up some of our Christmas decorations, leaving a huge mess of empty boxes to clean up.

Actually, I already cleaned up most of the mess!

I accidentally took this picture, but I like it.

2008-12-01T10:43:00.001-08:00

It's the first day of advent! I'm celebrating by cleaning up the kitchen. How are you celebrating?

2008-11-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
And what do you have to look forward to if you come to my house?
Let me just say that it has something to do with a flooded bathroom and ruined carpeting.
And it is all my fault for not babysitting the toilet.
Beware, because the man of the house is on the rampage.
I bet you can't wait to get here!

2008-11-17T21:21:00.000-08:00

Kung Fu Panda! It was awesome! Entertaining and funny, even Noelle giggled through it. If you like lighthearted cartoon comedy, you should definitely see it.

2008-11-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

Reflecting on politics, I really like what Victor Davis Hanson has to say. We live in interesting times! Our Republican party seems to have lost its way.

http://pajamasmedia.com/victordavishanson/the-day-after-2/

2008-11-02T11:18:00.000-08:00

Well, we welcome in November, 2008. Halloween fell a bit flat in the Bryan household this year. Dad left for Latvia, Noelle joined her college siblings for the evening, and I passed out candy to three whole children! I haven't heard much about the Harvest Festival at church, but I assume all went well there.

Maybe we should start a Reformation celebration. I think it would be fun. Maybe I'll research it this year. If you have ideas, let me know.

I liked Doug Metzger's message this morning, a challenge to make a difference in the world, but my favorite part was the story of the young man with Down's Syndrome. Challenged to make a difference in the store where he worked, Johnny decided to write down a "thought of the day" and place it in the bags of his customers as he bagged their groceries. Soon, Johnny's thoughts became so popular that all the customers lined up in his line at checkout. The store manager couldn't talk anyone into switching to a shorter line! There was much more to the story, but the point is that anyone can make a positive difference in our world.

2008-10-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

The problem of pain: I injured my shoulder while shampooing the carpets. Lifting and turning is a major problem. Bethany and all that I need to do with her makes life difficult. Pray for quick healing!

2008-10-14T20:45:00.001-07:00

Well . . . Noelle and I watched Ghostbusters tonight. A silly comedy, it reminded us both of Napoleon Dynamite. I'd recommend seeing it for a good laugh. I don't think Noelle cared much for it. She was looking forward to a scary movie!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/awards

2008-10-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

Holmes and I took a short trip up to Forest Falls today. It was cold with a brisk wind, and we didn't dress for the weather! The wind and clean air cleared our heads though. After freezing for a while, we decided to head down the mountain and stop at the picnic area near the bottom of the hill. Surprisingly, I liked this spot better than Forest Falls. We took a trail down the steps from the parking lot across bogs, logs and rocks until we came to the creek. It was a fun adventure and would be even more fun in the summer when it is hot--then you can get your feet wet!

2008-09-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

In the great scheme of life, I really should have posted something earlier, but here goes.

Ben and Kris were married Saturday--a beautiful wedding. Mixing black tuxes, sky blue dresses, movie music and a beautiful bride, the wedding went off without a hitch. The minister, Anthony was funny and refreshing. We wish them the best!

Dad is leaving tomorrow after having to extend his stay because of hurricane Gustav. He finally gets to go home. He doesn't have any idea what he will find, but he can't wait to get there.

Jon and Sarah, our two philosophers, left for college yesterday. I already miss them both.

Today we started Writeshop II and GA. Both went very well. We have 17 students in our writing class. Nine girls came to GA--I hope we have more.

Ever the organizer, Noelle wants to start school next Monday because she wants to do a full weeks' schedule of classes. I can't say that I blame her.

Bethany obviously needs to see a dentist. Hopefully we can see one on Friday!

That's all folks.

2008-08-20T09:57:00.001-07:00

Amazingly, I was able to cut out and make Noelle's dress in one day. All I need to do is sew ribbon on it to add the last finishing details. (I have to buy the ribbon first!) Noelle has a unique ability to pick out coordinating fabrics and colors. She'll wear her dress for the first time for Ben and Kris' wedding.

Today, I am avoiding cleaning house. Alas, I can't put it off too much longer!

2008-08-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

I finished painting my room! Hooray! It only took two weeks--the hardest parts were figuring out what to keep, what to throw away and where to put things. All the woodwork took forever.

2008-08-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

Bits and pieces of life:

Well. . . yesterday I served taco salad for lunch. This morning at 5:00am, I figured out that I had forgotten to provide lettuce for the salad! I had seven people eating it, and no one said anything about whether we had any lettuce. Oh well, life goes on.

Today was the first anniversary of the day we said our final goodbyes to my Mother, and she went on to glory. I think of her everyday--she was so organized and so busy doing for others. Dad still sends us cards she had made ahead of time--it is so precious to get that remembrance of her.

We are discussing Romans 9 at the house right now. What a difficult passage to understand. I need to do much more study. Why did God make people when he knew they were bound for hell?

On prayer: our pastor preached a sermon saying that "God does nothing except in answer to believing prayer"-- a quote something like John Wesley said. We disagree with the premise, but do agree with the need to pray.

I finished my skirt! Now I need shoes and a purse to match. It never ends.

Tomorrow I'll do Bethany's therapy and prepare the next wall in my room for painting. Maybe I'll paint it too.

I'm reading three books right now. I'm reviewing Love the Lord with all your Mind by JP Moreland. I'm also reading Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges and CS. Lewis' Letters to Malcom. I've appreciated CS. Lewis' down to earth thoughts on prayer. I especially like the thought that you pray where you are mentally, physically and spiritually. Start praying where you are comfortable. Praise and thank God for the things you see right around you. Don't try to be someone you are not as you pray. God know us better than we know ourselves!

2008-08-01T18:00:00.001-07:00

I finally finished altering Ben's suits! Hooray! I am half finished painting my room. More wonderful posts to come soon.

2008-07-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!

I'm listening to Dennis Prager this morning. I like this quote from him:

First tell the truth, then give your opinion.

2008-06-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

Funny Quote of the Day

From Laura Ingram's show--Tammy Bruce was hosting.

"Change is for parking meters."

2008-06-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

The school year is winding down. Noelle is finished with school this year--except for testing the next three days. GA is over tomorrow night. Summer will be filled with preparation and planning and surgery for Bethany.

Sarah is going to paint my room. Hooray! Life is good.

2008-04-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

Ben and Kris are engaged as of today!

2008-04-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

I'm "soaking up poetry lessons like a sponge". I've never had such fun learning and teaching as this study of poetry. This week we are learning about poems of comparison and our focus is metaphor poetry. This poem has some built in structure which makes it a little easier to write. The student is required to write a simile or metaphor in each line with the exception of the first line.

Here is my poem:

The Healing Stream

As I gaze upon the frothing white of the rushing, tumbling stream

First it is as savage as a roaring tiger

Then it is as swift as a speeding train

And then it is a milky white stallion plunging forward, his sides heaving with sweat

And now it becomes a mighty bulldozer hurling boulders over a massive waterfall

Changing into a jewel-encrusted cave, emerald and sapphire

Forming a cool, peaceful hiding place

And it is a meandering minstrel, happily humming

And now it flows gently, a prayer whispered quietly . . . peace, be still.

2008-04-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

I am teaching poetry in my writing class this month. Poetry is not my forte', but I can at least teach the basics. Most of my students outshine my abilities.

I just wrote a quatrain poem. I like it, so here it is.

Cheerfully

Cheerfully, the bright morning greets the day,
Cheerfully, the sunflower faces the ray,
Cheerfully, the sun unfolds its glorious light,
Cheerfully, a warbler trills with delight.

Cheerfully, the doorbell jingles and rings,
Cheerfully, the radio plays and sings,
Cheerful is the coffeepot---but cheeriest of all,
My mother's smiling face lighting up the hall.

2008-04-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Quote of the day:

I'm a "fine person" collector. Well. . .

fine persons and maybe a good pipe.

Dennis Prager--Salem radio talk show host

2008-04-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 17:22 (Amplified Bible)

A happy heart is good medicine

and a cheerful mind works healing,

but a broken spirit dries up the bones.