A Nightmare Come True!

Ever since I was a little girl, I loved haunted mazes. My mom (who was terrified of these) would try to endure and take me to at least one every Halloween. As I reached the teenage years it had become a dream of mine to one day be a part of a really great Haunted Maze. This year I got my wish!

One of my dear friends and her family (the Nelson family) had put on haunted mazes for several years on their personal property but, hadn't done so for a few years now. This year they decided to build The Doll Factory, a substantial 7000 sq ft solid frame maze in a warehouse complete with animatronics and pneumatic special effects. Add in the cast and crew and we had quite the mind blowing, pee your pants kind of haunt. The Nelson's were so generous to let my daughter and I help build the maze, put some touches on effects and work as monsters. My nightmare (dream) come true. It was even more special because my daughter (of her own free will) wanted to participate and had a blast!

Thank you Nelson family for allowing us to haunt with you! You will all be like family to me for the rest of my days. And to all those who participated, whether you worked with us or was scared by us.. You all gave me memories I will treasure forever! Thank YOU!

First Grad from Jade High!

I had the honor of coordinating the graduation this year for the California Homeschool Network (CHN) and the honor of my first born to be among those graduates. I had many realizations as the ceremony was going on. The biggest one is the reminder that this (ceremony) is a very emotional, very human, very homeschool event! I am constantly amazed on the ever evolving examples of our children's ability to think quickly, out of the box and act appropriately without missing a step! I could have sworn the stairs to the stage were in front and had instructed the grads to walk up to the stage and fill in the left side then the right. They walked right up to the stage assessed the change I (the stairs were on the sides) and just all jumped right up on stage and took their seats. Not even missing a beat in a Highly emotional and Stressful situation. Right from the beginning of this wonderful moment, I couldn't have been more proud of them all. 

With all the flooding of emotion and the realizations that were hitting me upside my head, by the time it was our turn to take the stage and give our speeches for Chalise, my throat was shut. I could breath but there was no way and words were coming out. Thank goodness my husband was ready and prepared and made a very nice speech. I still want to share what my words would have been if they would have been able to make it out of my throat. Here is what I would have said;

Our homeschool journey started when I realized, if my children went to school, they would never know their dad. Jim worked nights, slept days and worked weekends. He was already making the sacrifice to provide for our family and I figured it made for the perfect opportunity for me to keep us a close family and still provide an education. From the first moment we really started getting into the homeschool groove, Chalise took the lead and I learned more than I ever thought I could. I learned all about several different cultures, oceanography, even some parts of a few languages (I couldn't keep up with all she was learning no madder how hard I tried). Chalise pulled her brother Cameron and I along for many great experiences, knowledge and amazing memories. I just want to thank Chalise for all she has given me! I love you with all I am my daughter. I could not be more proud of you! I will forever feel indebted to my homeschool community and CHN for being there to help our family on this most amazing journey. Thank you All!

Summer is upon us! I love summer! My favorite time of year with my favorite things to do. Beach and water have much to do with me and the summer. I adore relaxing days at the beach playing in the sand and surf. I have yet to learn to surf but it is on my list of things to accomplish. My kids use to love these days as well but, my son has decided in his young teenage years that he no longer likes the sand or the surf for that matter. I sure hope he changes his opinion back around at some point. I love the family times that we've had as they have grown. All the wonderful memories we've made in the sand and the ocean and all the lessons we've learned! What are your favorite seasons and things to do? Maybe we'll meet up at the beach sometime this year!

Update on Mission Find a Home

Well we had submitted a couple of offers on some shortsales. The first one the second lender didn't want to take less money and the firs lender decided to foreclose. That means the second lender now gets NO money. We were out bid on the second shortsale and now we found a standard sale and should get an answer this evening. Home buying can be very fun but also frustrating. There is so much out there but, we are being a little picky as we will be living there for several years and then hope to rent it out. This will not be our forever home but it will need to fit criteria that will work well for us to live in and then bring us good revenue as a rental. I know to some our choices may not seem like we have a plan but, boy do we have a plan! Not that I 'm going to share it right now in this forum.

Hotel life is still good. We are surrounded with people from Australia and New Zealand. What a friendly group! They talk to you like they've known you for years. Very cool to be around.

As for finding more time to socialize, just when I was getting it all together I got sick. So, as soon as I know that I don't need a hazmat suite to go out, I will be joining in all the wonderful festivities that my friends have invited me to! I just can't wait!

Amazing Changes During Our Interim Life

We had a really good day today. No we haven't received an answer from the bank yet but, it was a good day just the same. The kids are getting closer to one another and we are all getting along beyond my imagination for our close quarters. The most amazing change so far though is in our dog Jade. She use to bark at every sound at the old house. She was always on edge. Now there is all kinds of noises (not loud) and she ignores them. She has calmed down so much and become a lot more well mannered. She doesn't even bark at people on the ride down the elevator.

Today though, we took her to the dog beach in Huntington. This dog has never been social with other dogs. She has always been afraid of other dogs or just didn't want anything to do with them. Today, she was social. A TOTAL turn around. She even ran up to other dogs (bigger dogs) and tried to play. Some took the bate and they played chase! Oh it was SO cute and we were so happy for her. She was beaming with happy doggy looks! We were all a bit nervous that she would get hurt but, she didn't and I think she had the best time in her life. Her knee did great and she ran as fast as she could at times getting all streamlined. I just wish I could have grab a picture to post.

Living the Extended Stay Life

We made it! We finally sold our townhome and moved out. We have been trying to get to a point to move for 9 years and finally it has come to pass. We are happily held up in a hotel that has been very comfortable. I'm sure we will have some rough spots but we all feel so much happier at the present. We have put an offer on a short sale and are still waiting for the approval from the bank that holds the mortgage on the desired home. We may be living the extended stay life for a couple of months.

On our first day we though we might have hit a snag when our little dog started to bark when we tried to leave her alone in the room. OH the stress! We didn't want to have to relocated in one day. Luckily the scruf-o-lumps mellowed out and now is actually more mellow than when we lived in the townhome. She use to bark at e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. Now people are passing by and making noise and she is chilled out. We can leave her for a while with no problem. Thank goodness! BIG RELIEF!

We are (so far) having a blast living in this hotel. I plan on making some lifestyle changes while we are making this transition. I have started already. I am eating breakfast every day (they have a free breakfast here that is pretty cool) and working out almost every day. They have a fitness room here and pool, hot tub. We are taking advantage and feeling good about it. I am also trying to do as much produce shopping at the farmer's markets and eating healthy (we always eat healthy) but also watching my portions.

Even though we are living with a home up in the air, we have less stress and are looking forward to the next step of our journey. I hope to update soon and document our journey.

Already an Amazing Experience

I had been wanting to be on the Amazing Race since the first episode aired. My friend Debbie and I would talk and dream about the day for years. Now I finally have a real chance to actually try out! Although it won't be with Debbie ( she is not in a position at this time) but with Cheryl! Cheryl and I met at a homeschool park day she co/founded. It is a wonderful group of amazing families. The best part is that this group is VERY divers and tolerant. So, my children and I can have the experience of knowing all kinds of people with all kinds of views.



Cheryl just sent in our applications Monday and already I am learning so much more about myself and my homeschool community. I guess the biggest thing I am learning about this community is how truly supportive they are. I moved around a lot growing up and I guess I have never really looked toward a community for support because, I would only be there for a short time. So, this is a bit strange to me, in a good way.



I really hope that we get on The Amazing Race and be able to show homeschool moms in a good light. I also hope we inspire moms to go after their dreams when they get a chance to do so. NO matter how old you are or how long out of the work force, you can still accomplish what you want. I have already started part of my journey with my career. Now I have this "amazing" opportunity! I do feel compelled to thank Debbie and Amy, it wasn't the time for them to go for this dream and they are still cheering Cheryl and I on. What wonderful women! Don't forget ladies, if Cheryl and I don't make it on, we can still apply with you when you are ready!


We had a lot of fun taping our application DVD! We were being so silly. Peggy let us borrow her camcorder and David (Cheryl's hubby) was our camera/producer man. What a great job he did. Peggy's also helping us edit! Can you believe how people are chipping in? So cool!

Well, the application is in the mail. If they like us we should be hearing something by March. Wish us luck and hopefully you will see us on the show.