Woohoo Arkansans!

[jnlowe]

Good morning, ROSmith!

Glad to see other moms are up and at 'em this fine, hot summer morning!

I really enjoyed hearing from you.

As for homeschooling -- you don't need special qualifications to do it -- there are a lot of successful moms -- even around here. Some schools allow homeschooled students to participate in their athletic programs.

Our church has enough youth activities to keep my child busy and socially-interactive! I have heard from some moms who homeschool that the release of the peer pressure at school is wonderful. They enjoy playing with their friends when they get home from school but don't have to worry about having enough clothes that are "in" and having to deal with some of the rudeness -- like times my child has come home from school in tears!

I substitute taught at the local high school and elementary school. It might interest you to know that those with a college education get paid only $5 a day more than those who don't -- or even just an inexperienced person who subs! Most of the teachers are not certified and cannot administered the State assessment tests, either.

I came from states where education and teachers were a priority. My child has been fortunate to have had really good teachers (especially last year) in the 2 years we have been here. However, I am concerned about this coming year.

We'll see what happens......

What are your hobbies?

I took care of my elderly father this past year (moved him here from Louisiana) and he passed away recently. I miss him. It was a wonderful opportunity, though, to have him in our home. We felt like "The Waltons." It was also a great bonding experience for him and my daughter. She is having a hard time dealing with his passing -- ahhh, but that, too, gives us experience, doesn't it?

So, how are things in your neck of the woods?

[farmnurse]

Lets see for fun?? We have parks (of course) that have swimming pools and tennis courts. There are a couple of miniture golf course, along with a First Tee where the kids get golf lessons. movies, there is a BMX trackthat will open soon and they are trying to bring in a skateboard park. I am not sure of what else there is right off hand
Donna

[jnlowe]

Wish our kids here had all these fun prospects! They would be jumping for joy!

We have one public pool. There's a roller skating rink that is only open on weekends.

Really have to depend on your own neighborhood and church for fun-filled activities!

Maybe I should get my brain in order and get some businesses to sponsor a children's play area. We have one park, but it is very limited in attraction.

Thanks for turning on the light!

[farmnurse]

Dang I guess we are pretty lucky never really thought about it. 2 big city parks both with pools and tennis. 2 skating rinks. 2 big movie houses and 2 small ones.
Donna

[justGina]

OMG jnlowe, I'm in Blytheville, too! We should meet for lunch tomorrow, wanna?

[jnlowe]

Hey! JustGINA! How about that? When I saw your "city" location, my first thought was..."she stole my line!" That was my first impression when I arrived here and is usually how I describe this place to people from other states! I am sort of getting used to it -- scary?

Lunch sounds great -- if I can bring my 9-year old daughter and her friend along!

She invited the child over to spend the day, so I hate to rain on their parade.

Or.... we could make it another day, if you'd rather not.

My e-mail address is: jnlowe@arkansas.net

Look forward to hearing from you!

Cooooool!!!!!

After all -- Blytheville does have a few restaurants!

[justGina]

Certainly I don't mind if you bring your daughter and a friend. The more the merrier! I have a 7 year old daughter and a 3 year old son, and I have to bring both of them.

bryonandgina@earthlink.net

[justGina]

jnlowe, let's put off our lunch meeting till next week sometime. Dh is taking the car tomorrow to have the air conditioner charged, woohoo!

[rosmith]

I guess you are right about the homeschool thing...I think it is good...just never had enough self confidence to think that I could teach them enough to be able to compete for scholarships, etc. If I had to do algebra now...or geometry...or explain all the technical english terms about verbs and nouns, etc. It's been a long time! I do agree about the influence of other students. When I was a girl, I had zero self confidence and was a real target for bullies...I had friends and was liked by my teachers...but it seemed like almost every year there was some jerk making my life miserable. And things that they said to me haunts me to this day. Good luck.

I worked for a large company as an accounting supervisor and left the company after 14 years to be a sahm and daycare provider. Big switch. But love being with my kids more. I love geneaology, pictures, parties for kids, monthly ladies night out with my buddies (dinner and conversation), crafty stuff. And cooking...I love to cook and entertain! And collecting recipes. And trying new restaurants (wish I was more interested in aerobics...maybe my butt might not be as wide!)

I am currently re-doing my 9 yr old dd's room...doing it in 3 colors...purple, pink and blue/green/teal. Each wall has at least 2 of the colors on it.

Just about to end Tball. We've spent a great deal of our summer at the softball field between 2 kids playing!

[justGina]

We're homeschoolers, too.

Actually I've been somewhat conflicted about homeschooling recently. Dh and dd both want her to go to public school next year, but my heart just screams, no no no! A part of me wants her to go, but that's my lazy, fleshly side. I just need to kick myself in the rear and get busy. She's extremely bright! She went to public school for 2 months last year (that was as long as I could stand having her away from me). Even though she didn't turn 7 until November, they let her in second grade because she reads so well (unfortunately she doesn't read just for pleasure, *yet* ).

I'm about 75% sure I'll homeschool her again this year.

jnlowe, if you want, I can put you in touch with several Christian homeschooling families in our area. Just let me know.

What church do you go to? I used to attend a very small, private Baptist church on the air base, but it dissolved as most of the members have relocated or are in the process of doing so.

My hobbies are sewing, quilting, the Internet , baking, reading, and general frugal living. I'm trying to get into cross-stitch and crocheting, but those things haven't gotten a grip on me the way sewing and quilting have.