Hi everyone! I thought I'd give a quick update on what's up since I haven't been on myccm much this week.

I finally joined this century and got a 4GB MP3 player. I can't believe I've been so old school and using a walkman so long. I stuck with a walkman so long because I like to tape sermons and play them back as a deliver the mail..but I found out about oneplace.com, where you can download a ton of great Christian programs. I have gone on to download some of my fave Christian albums of all time and it's great to have such a variety in one place..Stryper, Kansas, Switchfoot, U2, Hawk Nelson, Relient K, Kutless, Carrie Underwood, David Cook..and tons more!

I found out how my mail route is to be changed when they eliminate 2 jobs next month. I'm only keeping about half of my old route, as they took 2 hours off and added about 2 hours and 15 minutes. I now have to leave the office 15 minutes earlier each day. I might like this new route though as they took off the worst parts of my old job, like the UPS store and the high school, where I got bombarded with lugging tons of mail up a flight of stairs each day.

Kristi is doing great in t-ball..one game she started off catching a ball in the air and later made the other 2 outs by throwing runers out at first. This is unheard of in t-ball..usuallly if you can record one out in an inning it's a miracle!

The girls had their piano recital at the nursing home last Sunday..It was very hot so it was hard to get through it, but they did well. They each had a friend with them to go swimming afterwords so it made a fun day.

I think I'm going to enjoy Nashville Star..there are a couple of Christians at least on the show..Coffey Anderson and Ashlee Hewitt..see my photo's for info on them.

We have our plans set for our Mt. Rushmore trip this summer. it's going to cost us a lot with the cost of gas but it's a once in a lifetime trip. We did it so we could visit with my niece Sarah near Chicago and her new husband on way back because I couldn't get time off for wedding week. Turns out they are going to visiting US as well on way back from their honeymoon in Tennessee in two weeks. She is on fire for the Lord so I love getting together with her.

I get to see the top lady golfers next week as they come to town for their annual stop..go Paula Creamer!

To all the dad's out there, have a great Father's day! to the kids, treat your dad's extra nice! Love y'all..Jim

Someone e-mailed this and I thought it was so funny:

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Got to watch TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
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*Excerpts from a Cat's Diary*

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They
dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or
some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations
perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my
strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an
attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I
had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly
demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending
comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Idiots!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed
in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could
hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due
to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use
it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this
again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The
dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be
more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to
be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly.
I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged
protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.

Hey everyone..I'm sorry if I haven't gotten back to you..I'm trying to lead by example to my kids to not get on the computer until all the things around the house get done..so I'm a little behind! I treasure all of you and will reply as soon as I can! That also means not as many blogs for the time being.

Love ya all and thanks for being my peeps!..Jimbo

P.S.  If you are looking for the homeschool blog go back one!

We just wrapped up our New York State Homeschool convention, so it's time for my annual homeschool blog. The purpose of this is to tell you what we've been teaching, and to get your feedback on what you like and the curriculum that you find is most effective for you. Last year I got over 15 comments which I found very useful. The other good thing is those who leave comments can find other homeschoolers in the comment box and become friends with them. You can tell me your experiences from wherever state you are in, a teacher, a student, someone who used to be homeschooled, a homeschool grad, whatever! If you left a history of your homeschooling last year, it's up to you if you want to add to that. For those who want to see that blog go to my November 2007 archives.

Our convention was in our hometown of Rochester instead of Syracuse, so it was a lot more convenient. The kids came up the first night to look at curriculum and games, then the in-laws took them for the next 2 days. This was a bad year for teachers for Dads, but there was a lot for Moms and teens to learn. My favorite thing was to just hang out with other homeschoolers, including my peep Steve..and to see all the kids in their graduation gowns all excited the last day!

We use sonlight as our core curriculum. Last year we switched from Saxon math to Horizon, and it worked well. We've heard great things about the English composition from Bob Jones so that will be our big switch for next year. Sonlight wasn't great in that area..their strength is in reading. My kids tested in the top 20 % in their 1st and 4th grade Iowa state tests in most subjects, so we are pleased in their progress. They take group lessons with other homeschoolers in the fall and spring for extra activities. How many of you get to do group things with other homeschoolers?

In closing, I took this picture outside..thought it was funny to see a picnic table floating down the Genesee river!