I've about had it!

My dear husband, is taking a class. No surprise there. Well, when he signed up for this quarter's classes, we realized that for in order for him to actually get his certificates, he needs to take SOSC 113. It's a 1 or 2 credit class... When he signed up for classes, the class was full - so he put himself on the waitlist - fully expecting to NOT get into it.

A week or two later, he found out that he got in to it. Alls good, right? It's been one headache after another! We cannot find the required book for this class! What? Huh? Well, the teacher has listed "Proven Resumes" as a required text for the class. The bookstore at Skagit wasn't able to get any copies because it's out of print. OOP. Ok, so we look online. We've ordered it twice and both orders got cancelled. Apparently, it's either not on the shelf when the seller goes to ship it... (probably already sold it to someone else in Rod's class.)

How can a teacher require a book that you cannot get????

I ordered it for the third time today... we'll see how it goes. I may start calling all of the local/semi-local used bookstores to see if any of them have it. Heck, with Rod going to Redmond everyday, from Bellingham to Redmond is "semi-local."

I'm just wondering what Rod's supposed to do for his assingments in the mean time... I guess it's time to email the teacher and let him know what's going on. So irriating!

Do you have a copy? I know, it's one of your favorites, that you just cannot loan me off your own personal bookshelf. Fine!

Copyright © 2009 by Zindra Nelson, zindra@yahoo.com

Happy Birthday Spencer Layout

(layout: my layout of Spencer's birthday at C.E.Cheese)

Awhile ago, I signed up for a digital scrapbooking class at jessicasprague.com. That was before I knew I was pregnant. Well needless to say, I did not keep up with the class because I've been sick & tired. So, the last couple of nights, after the kids went to bed - I've been working on my layouts. This is one of three from this class (although there are minor projects, that i'm not sure if i'll finish or post.)

What I really like about this layout is it's design. I learned how to use a brown overlay over the group shot that really made a difference in the photo - not that you can tell. What I really don't like about taking a digiscrapping class is that they kind of tell us what the design needs to be about. I do much better if my stuff comes from the heart.

What I'm hoping to do is create templates that I can reuse over and over by changing some of the features to fit the designs. In this class I'm learning a ton about designing - Photoshop is the bomb!

I've had a quite a few friends request info on digital scrapbooking and am considering putting together a workshop to show people how to get started. In my spare time, of course :D

Zindra's to do's:

get newsletter done

get ezine done

find someone to take over newsletter

help kids with display night projects

Birthday shop for Jedediah - we're getting him a new bike

check on a couple of bills

pay our pse bill & mom's pse bill

Figure out what we'll do for Jedi's birthday~

we're thinking maybe CECheese (his request)

Decide whether or not the kids are a going to horsecamp this summer

mail property taxes

Copyright © 2009 by Zindra Nelson, zindra@yahoo.com

This week or so...

Wow, it's been more than a week since I've written anything... feels strange. I actually wrote this post a few days ago - but blogger wouldn't let me upload my pix. Have fun pix = must post! So I waited. And then i've been so tired & behind, that posting was one of the last things on my mind!!!

Last friday, I just felt terrible & didn't go to Friday School. Jessie came over & loved on me. I guess the Lord knew that I needed some encouragement. Funny thing is, I know that I struggle profusely during this time of a pregnancy, but somehow - it doesn't make it easier. Rod & I have conversed about this quite a few times.

(photo: B & his converse cake)

Saturday we went down to the Powell's for Branden's Birthday party. That was tons of fun. Rod said he'd make the cake - which somehow :D we end up doing quite a bit of. All I can say, is that if you get a cake from us, you are on our "loved" list! We decided to make a cake in the likeness of a pair of converse. We tried our best to figure out what B's custom converse look like & gave up b'c of how complicated it would be to replicate the pattern. We ended up doing a traditional black & white shoe - and I thought it turned out quite well.

(photo: converse cake by Rod)

Each cake is a new experience. You hardly ever make the same cake twice. Which makes it hard to get it "right." Although, I can tell that Rod & I have improved over the last couple of years. Our favorite cake has to be the one we made for Isaiah - it was a guitar hero guitar.

(The Powell Rockband Band - or most of it.)

So, I helped Rod come up with the idea - and then I slept & he made and decorated the entire thing by himself! He's such a trooper!

Jessie came over on Tues and did my dishes & some laundry while I slept. I have a lot to learn from that girl! Serving others... Although, I don't open up my dirty dishes & laundry to just anyone! Wed, Sandi brought us dinner. Seriously, right now i'm having a hard time cooking!

These friends that keep blessing me with food are quickly becoming my favorites :D No really, they are really showing me how a giving heart blesses others. Taking care of our food, my kids ~ Today was the second practice since baseball started that I've taken either of the boys to - because Janet has been taking care of the boy's rides to practice! I am so grateful for so many of you in my life right now! Even thinking of all you've done for us brings tears to my eyes...

I seriously need to get the newsletter done for this month. I let a couple of the leaders know at First Class Skagit County that I think this is the last one i'm going to do for the year. There's usually a May edition, but I just haven't had the energy. And then I also let them know that there will need to be someone to replace me for the majority of next year as well. With a new baby & me dealing with postpardum - it's just something that I need to let go of! I guess someone else will get the opportunity to step up!

This is a bummer for me in some ways - I love writing & editing & creating the newsletter. But I really do know my limits in this dept. and it's just not a good idea to continue. I will miss it SO much! Hopefully, it won't be hard to see someone working on something that has been mine for the last two years - but when it's time, it's time. Maybe when I'm feeling better about this time next year, I'd be willing to do it again. Only time will tell.

There's going to be a guy's 360 nite down at B's next weekend. Rod's excited. I asked if I could go too. (It IS a guy's night afterall!) Rod & Josiah to play with the boys - and hopefully I'll get the chance to spend some good quality time with Shawna. It'll be nice to spend some time with friends & a nice chance to be out of the house without my younger ones.

Update on Rod's work - he's still working at Microsoft. Enjoying it really. We're not exactly sure how long he'll be there, but it looks like a few more months. I'm still in the dark on the project he's working on - but he's pretty excited by it. Making it really interesting when it comes to discussing how his day went. I thought it would be much harder than it's been living in the dark about what's going on at his work than it really is. I've been on his campus & seen the building he's in - that's about it.

Yes, i'm writing this quite late. I know. I'm awake, so I decided to do it. Today I was supposed to go to Jessies about 3. I finally got there after taking Jed to practice & then dropping Jos & Jed off with my dad for Garden Club at 6:30pm. Spent a couple of hours at her house. She makes this espresso - with white chocolate powder that is to die for! Had to have a cup. She's excited - her husband is very close to coming home from deployment. It's been a long 6 months. Sure makes me appreciate Rod being around daily!

Copyright © 2009 by Zindra Nelson, zindra@yahoo.com

Motherboard Books - Logo Adventures Review

Motherboard Books has come out with a homeschooling program, using MicroWorlds EX as the software, to teach kids, 8-12 years old basic Computer Programming skills.

This is probably my favorite product out of all of the products that I reviewed through the TOS Homeschoool Crew. Computers & Technology, no one doubts, is one thing that our kids should learn for their futures - and Motherboard Books will give your kids a headstart!

There are two materials in the set. The book Logo Adventures, by Phyllis Wheeler, and the accompaniment software called MicroWorlds EX, by LCSI. Logo Adventures gives kids a basic, easy to learn, even fun, way to learn basic computer programming.

Students will create shapes, patterns, animations and a game board using basic computer programming skills and commands.

The outline of the course, is to have your child use the materials one hour per week, for 26 weeks. In that time, they will learn:
*basic programming
*what input computers need to program
*draw shapes
*make games
*how to follow specific instructions
*how to personalize their work

Josiah used Logo Adventures with MicroWorlds EX software and has learned so much about what computers need as input to be programmable.

Josiah said, "My favorite part was that you could make it repeat it (the pattern you create) like 100 times!!"

This set is a great combination of teaching material and fantastic software.

I personally am so impressed by this set, that I will be purchasing the next level, when he is done with this one! The cost of Logo Adventures with MicroWorlds EX Software is $128.99. This is one set that I do feel is worth the money. Especially since you can buy it once & use it with multiple children.

The next level of books Computer Science, Pure and Simple, uses MicroWorlds EX software. If you have already purchased the program as a set with Logo Adventures, you do not need to rebuy the software, the books are available to you individually.

Motherboard Books has other materials in Internet Training for ages 8-15 using Let's Make a Webpage; Internet Training for ages 15 and up using Website ABC's; Spreadsheet & Internet & Programming ages 12 & up using Computer Science, Pure and Simple.

Motherboard Books also comes with a 30 day moneyback guarantee!
Visit the Motherboard Books website at www.motherboardbooks.com.

Rock & Worship Roadshow Weekend

(This post was written tuesday - but I didn't have time to upload the pix.) (Photo: Rod & Zindra & teens from First Class Skagit County & teens from First Class Clark County West.)
Rod & I had a great time with the Teens this weekend. It was pretty funny, the kids we needed to pick up, we had their address - but we didn't recognize where it was. So we put it into google maps on my phone for directions - and google couldn't find it. Finally, we called Sierra (in Vancouver) to find out where the Uptains live (in Mt. Vernon). We got them picked up on time & down to the St. Johns on time.

Kayla lent me a Ted Dekker book - Thr3E - which i'm interested in reading!

We were going to hang out at the house & instead ended up going to Multnomah Falls. I had not ever been there, so that was pretty neat. I love waterfalls. We had the nine seater surburban of the St. Johns filled with 2 adults, 6 Teens and 1 preteen. We got some good shots of the kids - and Sierra has hijacked them :D and put them on HER facebook. LOL. Will have to post a few. When we left the house, it wasn't raining. When we got to the falls - it was sprinkling pretty good. Right when we left it quit. Everyone got out and hiked the .2 miles up to the bridge.

(photo: at the bridge in front of the Multnomah Falls.) We knew dinner wasn't until 7, so Rod & I were determined to not return until about then. So after the falls, we went and got coffees at starbucks - and then everyone but me headed over to the Ikea (just a block away) to spend time together & kill some time too.

Heidi made a fantastic turkey dinner *yum*. The teens watched Phantom of the Opera while us adults hung out upstairs and talked.

(photo: Hawk Nelson in concert.) Sunday, I was just not feeling well. Tired & having problems with nausea. Rod went everyone off to church/lunch and I slept. Later he came back & got me & we headed over to the Portland Colesium (sp?) to meet up with the Teens and Jay for the concert. We heard 5 bands - Addison Road, 10th Ave N, Hawk Nelson (the best *show*), Jeremy Camp (who i'm most familiar with) and Mercy Me. It was a great concert. I guess they are planning on doing another tour again next year. They sold out the stadium (11,000 people).

Leaving Portland we ate at McDonalds. We all had #2's. That was pretty funny. *next time* we'll have to order #2's too :D

We got the Teens home in Mt. Vernon about 2am. Then we stood and talked at their house for about a 1/2 hour talking to Julie about what a great time we had with the teens and how glad we were to have taken them. Then we really did go to my parents and pick up Jaden & Julia. Mom said that dad wanted the boys for potting tomatoes for the Garden Club again in the morning, so they stayed. I just didn't feel after having issues this weekend with being tired, that I could hold myself accountable to getting up & going & getting our kids in the morning... At 3:30am, it felt good, to climb into my own bed! Yes, I realize we are crazy sometimes!

(photo: Rod & Zindra in front of the falls.) Rod went to work an hour or so later than normal (which worked out fine, he had a late meeting). Julie called and said that she was going to bring us over a meal as a thank you. I was *so* thankful. Having nausea & being tired, I haven't been the best dinner maker lately. Trevor brought over a yummy soup and warm rolls. Julie - I want the recipe!!! Such a treat. My little Julia said, "That soup makes my tummy happy!" I love that! Feeling so incredibly blessed by good friends today! Thank you Uptains!

Josiah's *NEW* coach called today and said that they were going to have their first practice tonight. I was so relieved to have him on another team! On Mondays, both of the boys will be having practice, at 5pm at Bakerview. Woot! Got ahold of Janet - & Christian is also on that team - so we will be able to rideshare with the boys. That was really helpful last year & I'm thinking with me pregnant, it's going to be even more important. Josiah was excited - he finally got to get out & wear his new cleats. That boy has big feet! He's 10.5 and wearing 10.5 sized cleats!

Janet came & picked up my boys & took them to practice. It was raining, so Jedediah's got canceled & Josiah's went for about 45 minutes. Janet came & spent some time at my house while she was waiting for practice to get over (the field is less than 5 min away.)