Panic

3 U.S. boys found dead in car truck died from accidental suffocation.

What a horrible, sad tragedy.

Yesterday my oldest child took the bust to the mall with a friend. First time. I used to do the same thing all the time when I was young. No biggie. The buses were my friend.

Not her, though. She was supposed to be home at 5:30 and we found her at a transfer point at 10. Yes. TEN. I was near the point of panic by then. No, well into the point of panic and near hysteria. An extended version of that feeling when you're in a supermarket and you can't spot your child right away. That second of panic lasted a lot longer last night.

Why didn't she call, she normally calls? Why hadn't her friend called home? It was terrible. Fears took over with the "what if" battle going on in my head.

My mind started searching for all the horrific things that happen to kids. I can't tell you the relief that came over me when I spotted the girls last night. Thank God. Thank God. My anger was consumed by relief.

I'm so sorry for those kid's families, their community.

Outdoor Fires

We love having backyard fires. Last year we got a outdoor fireplace thingy that we use a few times a month. I think that might be why we haven't camped this year. I swear half the reason I go camping is for the fire...

I have the older kids go pick up sticks from the yard and put them in paper bags (grocery kind), and then set them aside. When we have a fire, I throw the bag in and light it for kindling. It works great, and they feel like big helpers.

Trinket Trunk

Handmade jewlery... Welcome to Trinket Trunk!

Crafty chica lady set up her own little shop of shtuff. Awwww yeah. You know I love me some handmade stuff. Happy to see someone else taking the plunge. I have no review of the items as of yet, but thinking I will in the near future. Check out some goods won't ya?

Home (Summer) Schooling

Well. One week down of summer vacation. One week off of schooling and then we start our Summer Math and Reading program. Nothing too big but some reading and math for all five kids.

I did pick up some good stuff from the twins' teacher. She gave me a few books and a fat packet of summer work. My 5th grader got a packet of math as well. But I'll need to break out the workbooks to fill in some of the gaps.

So I'm on the prowl for more homeschool sites if anyone has any to offer. Especially ones with progressive printouts, like you finish this one, you go on to this one. Is there such thing?

I'm going to have the kids read and write a paragraph of what they wrote. I have to be honest and say that I'm not the most patient person and I hope I don't lose my cool too much.

Sigh...

A Walk To Remember

by Nicholas Sparks

I saw the movie before reading the book. I think I picked this up at the Dollar Store (score!!). At any rate, it is a very simple tale of a young boy who falls in love with a girl (and there's more to that, yanno). An opposites attract with a twist that involves hope and faith.

It was a sweet story, suitable for any age. Very simple, easy to read.

I probably wouldn't read it again, but it did draw me in enough that I cried at the end. How a simple story did that I don't know. But it did.

Date Finished: June 19, 2005

Coca Cola Zero

Coke Zero

So we're at the store and my daughter spies this new Coke Zero. After my dissapointment with the Coke with Splenda I was hesitant to try it. What was it anyway, and just how many versions of Coke can there freaking be?!!

So I bought 3 bottles of it, one for me, one for my daughter, one for her friend (that said it was really good). Got our groceries home, fired up the oven for pizzas... all the while anticipating my meeting with Sir Coke Zero. I am a die-hard Diet Coke lover, though, and a skeptic of new "versions" of Coke.

So here's the verdict: I like it. Didn't think I would, but I do. This is what you'd think Diet Coke would taste like. It has that spicy kick that regular coke has and Diet Coke, though I love me some Diet Coke, does not have.

There are two good things about the different-in-a-good-way Coke Zero.

1.) As a drink it is fantastic. Like I said, with the spicy flavor mingling that is going on it makes it an excellent alternative to regular Coke.

2.) Because of this spicy flavor, I fully anticipate it will be a viable substitute for regular Coke when mixing drinks!! A rum and Diet Coke has never cut it for me. But a rum and Coke Zero? I think it may be the lower-carb solution some of use have been searching for. This might be the diet-drink mixer we've been waiting for. What a breakthrough.

Bottom Line: Coca-Cola makers - please keep this one in stock and start making it available in the gun. I think you've found a winner.

Rating:

Link: Coca Cola Zero

Michael - Not Guilty

Michael Jackson Is Acquitted on All Counts in Molestation Case.

I have to admit. I'm surprised. And I think anyone that lets their child sleep at his house is a complete fool.