TXMomof4
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Posts posted by TXMomof4
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Let's get something clear. The military *does not* decide where we fight or why we fight. Not *ever*. Our elected leaders do that. There have been several documentaries on how the administration repeatedly *ignored* advice from the military and military plans that had been in place for years.
As I said earlier in the thread, in my opinion we're there to give us a battlefield that is not the US. That is not unsuspecting warships in Yemen. That is is not our embassies overseas. That is not our military bases with military families overseas. That is not New York City.
I totally agree. And the biggest problem I have is that after the politicians decide to fight, they refuse to get out of the way and let the military do their job. Someone said earlier that they don't think the President needs to be an expert in military matters. I agree. BUT, the politicians, once committed to combat, need to allow the military to finish the job, not yank them back (or talk of yanking them back) the minute their poll numbers drop.
This isn't a situation where we can just change our mind in the middle. We have to finish our job there, i.e. a stable Iraq, or all of this would have been in vain. THAT would be a waste of the last five years.
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*Of course they want to be free. Free to do things *their way.* Their concept of freedom is different than ours. We have a self-created government. They are being "guided" by forces outside their control.
If you look at the government that is being put in place, it isn't a copy of an American government. Look at the text of the Iraqi Constitution. The similarities are there, but there are glaring differences also. It is a religious government. Islam is the official religion of the government. Do you think that would fly in America? If we want it to be just like America, they should not be allowed to impose their religious beliefs through the law of the land. But they are doing just that. Is that wrong? I don't think so. It is their country. I know our model of government isn't perfect, but it works relatively well. I can't think of another framework that they could build on that would work better.
There is also the point that again, we are referring to these Iraqis as something different than us. Yes, they have different history, culture, lifestyle. But saying they are 'different' than us, they don't want freedom like we have (had), is demeaning and belittling to them. I will grant that their idea of freedom may not be as far reaching as ours simply because they haven't experienced it. But that they don't have the desire for that freedom, and that they can't live with freedom because they haven't experienced it is absurd. Right now, their freedom may equate being able to worship as a Shiite, Sunni, or Kurd without fear of persecution. Tomorrow, it may be the freedom to be educated equally, regardless of ethic background or gender. It will grow with their experiences. I don't believe we are 'forcing' our experiences on them. Just giving them the opportunity for their own experiences.
There are so many different aspects to this war, political, humanitarian, mercenary that there will never be an answer for all aspects of it. But again, the facts remain that we are there, we have created a situation that will only erode if we pull back immediately, we have a responsibility to do leave something better than we left it.
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Michael Yon: Gates of Fire
has anyone seen this *content warning* good coverage from on the ground in Iraq-
and polls- I've seen so many poll questions that do not mean what they at first seem to mean:tongue_smilie:- except of course this poll:D
This is the best website. He was embedded with my brother's unit in 2005. Amazing coverage. Scary, but at least I felt like I was getting a true picture of the situation.
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I really, really, really am bothered by the idea that the Iraqi's don't desire to live in a free country. Now, obviously, it won't be a replica of the good old U.S. of A. but a country where you aren't killed for disagreeing with the leadership, or for being of a certain ethnic/religious background. Are Iraqis less human than we are? Is it an Arabic trait to desire living under a dictator? We throw it around that they aren't "ready" for freedom.....well, how do you get ready? How long did it take America to live together as a nation? We've always refered to the Civil War as when America really had to grow up. That was 90 years after the start of our nation. We expect them to have a perfectly organized nation in 5 years?
Also, I think we have a seriously warped perspective on time. If it wasn't done yesterday, it didn't happen fast enough. How long were we involved in WWII? Vietnam? The idea that we can go in, remove the leadership, aid the formation of a new government and be out in 5 years is naive. Believe me, I want this over as quickly as possible. DH, my brother and my BIL are all military and have been deployed numerous times, but the reality is that doing the job right, i.e. training the Iraqi National Guard, the police, helping the government and infrastructure get up and running effectively, is the only way to ensure that we aren't back there in a real mess in a few years.
Progress is being made, troop reductions are in the works, the Iraqi people are taking an active role in the stabilization of their country. Wasn't it Anbar Province that was handed back over to the Iraqi's a few months ago?
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:iagree: Couldn't have said it better Antonia.
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The website,
has an addition trainer, and test your times tables. The addition trainer is timed, the multiplication isn't, but the repetition is great for my girls. Plus,
IT"S FREE!!!!
Also, Timez attack has a free basic version that just basically drills the multiplication. The girls loved it initially, but got a little bored. Good for a change though.
We also do worksheets. We time how long it takes to do 25 problems, then we do it again (the same sheet) in the afternoon and they try to beat their time. We can't do this together though because whichever child has the longest time pouts for ages.
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I was just introduced to this a few weeks ago, but let me tell you, it is a HIT! We use it as a main dish with salad at our house, or as a side, veggie....you decide.
Broccoli Cornbread
2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix
3/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
12 oz cottage cheese
2 sticks margarine (melted)
10 oz. chopped broccoli (cooked & drained)
1 small can chopped green chilies
1/2 cup chopped onion
Combine all ingredients. Heat 9 x 13 pan with oil & cornmeal until hot, pour in mixture and bake @ 350 for 35-40 minutes.
That is correct - NO liquid.
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The Dallas World Aquarium is amazing. It's set up like a rainforest and you start at the top and walk down through the layers of the rainforest. It is well worth the money, IMO.
http://www.dwazoo.com/default.html
This is absolutely beautiful. Dallas Blooms is going on at the Arboretum, and it is stunning. There are LOTS of fun things for the kiddos. This is the place that always gets my vote.
http://www.dallasarboretum.org/
*Just looked at the ages of your kids. They probably aren't into face painting and petting zoos, but it is still a beautiful, peaceful wonderful time for the bigger kids.
Old City Park is alot of fun also. I haven't been down there in a few years, but it is fun to visit. We always go to the Farmer's Market while we're down there also. Of course, the Farmer's market is fun for me anytime, the kids love too.
You could also go down to Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum. I've never taken the kids, but it's interesting.
http://www.dallasheritagevillage.org/
http://www.dallasfarmersmarket.org/
Have a great time! Dallas Blooms would definately get my vote. It's supposed to be gorgeous this weekend, so you could definately enjoy the time.
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Hope this isn't too late,
Sear the roast in oil on all sides.
Mix one packet french onion soup mix, 1 c. water, pour over roast and veggies (carrots, potatoes, onions), put in crock pot (or oven) at 300 and cook for HOURS. The longer the better in my opinion.
Make a gravy with a little cornstarch in the drippings after removing the roast and veggies. Too yummy!
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DS6: Because Mommy doesn't want to get out of bed at 6:30 and feed me cereal. It's less work for her to teach me herself. (I actually heard her tell a total stranger that this morning!):eek:
ROFL! That is what my kids would say.
Actually, it would be,
"Mommy can't function in the morning until she's had at least 4 cups of coffee." Can't imagine where she heard that! :rolleyes:
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We used the Wee Sing songs to learn the books. All 3 of the girls can sing them without problem now.
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How about Farmer Boy? There are a LOT of descriptions of the work they have to do as well as interactions within the family. That is my favorite Little House book.
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My husband joined the Army after we were married and had 3 of our 4 children. He joined for the very reasons you're describing. The truth is, he was born to be a soldier. He loves the job he does for the Army, and he thrives on the structure and principles. He is absolutely thriving, and I can't imagine him *not* being in the Army.
We had to take into consideration the family aspect in a way that many young recruits do not. In our case, DH had to follow his calling. The Army way of life is a different way of life than most people are used to, but it is not a bad way of life. It's hard for people to think in terms they're not used to.
We knew that it was likely that there would be a wartime deployment. That is part of his duty, and was taken into consideration when he joined. All I can say is that we both prayed a lot, and we felt that God was truly calling him to military service. He didn't get the job he wanted in the beginning. There were several roadblocks along the way and we started wondering if we were wrong about what we felt God was asking us to do. Each roadblock brought a turn in the path, and we ended up in a much better position and new opportunities presented themselves. God put us exactly where he wanted us, and we see the blessings because it went *His* way instead of the way we thought it was supposed to go.
EXACTLY what she said. That's funny, we had 3 of my 4 before DH joined, my 4th was born while he was deployed.
As far as how it works with a family, I think the personality of the wife has SO much to do with it. You can either choose to handle it, or not. DH is National Guard and it's so hard because, for a lot of the women, they signed up for weekend drill, they didn't plan on 'real deployment'. Now the NG is being deployed every other year in many cases and these guys (and families) aren't in the 'Army' mindset. They are leaving behind careers and situations that were never intended to be left for more than a year at a time. That is terribly difficult for everyone involved. But, I wouldn't trade it for the world. DH is thriving in his role, he is loves what he is doing, and it makes for a happier life for all of us, even if he has to be gone.
We also both feel God has led us to this position. Things have always worked for the best even if it wasn't what we would choose on our own. I have seen blessings that I never would have known if we hadn't decided to follow God's direction and I can't imagine my life any other way now.
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DH and I were talking about this the other evening. There are a bunch of us "middle of the road" people here who homeschool. Plain old moms and dads who feel that schooling their children at home is the best answer who don't fall into an extremely religious or political category.
BUT
It seems to me that there are even more similarities between the "extremes" of homeschoolers. Either completely religious or completely secular. (No tomatoes please). My friends who are extremely CC are very interested in returning to a more 'natural' way of life. They are growing their own food, organically, they are separating themselves from government influence, they are trying to become more and more self-sufficient. They are trying to lessen their impact on the environment (not necessarily intentionally, but that is the result of their choice in lifestyle).
Does that sound familiar to anyone?
It sounds very similar to what my extremely 'liberal' (for lack of a better word) friends are doing. They want a more natural lifestyle, less intrusion by the government, to be left alone to do what they are doing.
Obviously, the politcal and social beliefs would be different, their motivation for what they are doing is different, but the way they go about it is so much the same.
Off to get more coffee! Good morning!
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I'm in N. Dallas. I would love to find a group, not necessarily for academics though! RHSA is very academically oriented from what I can tell. We just need some HS friends!
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They just changed the rules in Dec. so that Space-A is available to dependents of deployed service members anywhere they fly. It used to only be available OCONUS, but now we can fly anywhere CONUS or OCONUS. I think we'll start with a short (stateside) trip before we attempt Europe. That will be hard enough with 4 kids and without DH.
How fun! Guess it's wrong to wish DH would just get going already!
JUST KIDDING! I don't want him to go, but if he has to I'm going to make the most of it! Last time he went I spent the first half pregnant and the second half with newborn. Not the greatest fun I've ever had in my life! An adventure, yes, but not necessarily fun.
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I'm using the red book for 6yo and the yellow for 8yo. I really like that the phonics isn't overwhelming. Both are reading well already, so that may not be what you're asking. There is good phonics reinforcement, but it's not overkill (IMHO). I still use ETC with the 6 yo just to keep her paying attention to word patterns, plus she enjoys it and it keeps her occupied when I'm working with the older dd.
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Hello everyone,
I've been lurking on these boards for a while now, but just recently decided to register and post! Nice to meet y'all and I appreciate all your wisdom and experience!
Now, this has nothing to do with hsing, really...
I've noticed there are several military families on this board and I'm looking for info on Space-A travel. Not just links, I think I've read most everything there is to read, but personal experiences. My DH will be deploying this year and I have a sister in England and brother will be in Germany. I would *love* to take the kids and spend time over there but airfare will be close to $6000.00. SOOOO, has anyone actually used Space-A and was it a good/bad/neutral experience? TIA!
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Can a mother reasonably balance raising babies, caring for the home, cooking meals, and the very demanding tasks associated with rigorously educating the older children?
Of course I'm not in the upper years yet, but of the PS teachers I know, they all have to try to balance educating their classes - 20-24 students, plus being a mom, caring for a home, cooking meals, etc. We are doing similar work, but I only have my 4 to care for and educate. They don't live in a school bubble where that's all they do. They have all the normal family stress PLUS the education of the children they are responsible for.
I'll take my load any day! ;)
Today I saw what I think is possibly the most offensive bumper sticker I have seen.
in General Education Discussion Board
Posted
I had a wonderful, eloquent amazing reply all typed up and my computer kicked me off....so here's a short version of what I was going to say earlier.
My entire problem with bumper stickers like this is that there is no way to target who reads this. If a fellow Christian reads this and agrees with you, great. If someone says they are a Christian and disagrees with you, all that happens is that someone gets angry. If a non-Christian reads it, they think "How ignorant." But most importantly to me is the person who is considering an abortion, or who has had an abortion that reads that and thinks, "There's no place for me in Christianity."
Like someone said earlier, a person who has had an abortion isn't automatically ****ed to the hot place. I know people who have had abortions, suffered through the consequences and have gone on to be great Christians. I know a friend who will have nothing to do with Christianity because of the condemnation she felt for something she did when she was 16. Is that what Jesus wanted? She can't see Jesus for the Christians. Things like that defeat every bit of evangelism and light shining in this world with one stupid bumper sticker.
I believe abortion is wrong. I believe someone, no matter what they think might be ok for another person, if they truly KNOW God, will realize that the inconvenience of an unwanted child, or the result of someones r*pe, or inc*st, can be overcome without taking the life of an innocent child. A teen girl who is in one of those horrible situations may have a hard time because they think the world revolves around them, but, hold on a minute....It doesn't. Perception is NOT reality. The reality is that the abortion would more than likely add to the problems already caused by the circumstances they are in. The people I know who have had abortions are still, more than a decade later, dealing with unbelievable guilt and sorrow over their choices. Even those who aren't Christians.
But if they have an abortion for any reason, it doesn't mean they can never experience salvation. The person who tells them they can't is in just as scary a place, IMHO!
So, no, I would never have a bumper sticker like that on my car.
However, I did see one last night that I would LOVE to find....
WWBD
What would Bubba Do?? :lol: (It's a southern thang!!!!)