A Taste of Good Times- Part One

By Miranda H.

I know these days young kids (up to age 7) entertain themselves differently than even I did as a child not so very long ago. Their Time is taken up by computers, cell phones (what seven year old needs a cell phone?!), unenlightening TV shows (mainly Disney Channel, sorry) and video games. Once upon a time I too was seven, here’s just a taste of the things my siblings and I did for “fun” in the not-so-very-long-ago good days.

First off, computers weren’t used only for Facebook and celebrity dress-up games. I recall only using the computer when I was seven to travel the old west while trying not to let my whole wagon train die off. Two words, “Oregon Trail”, people. If you have never played it then you should. Not only was it a lot of fun but it also had at least some shreds of history to learn from it; like whether to use Epsom salts to treat a rattlesnake bite, which we both know is a futile attempt. He’s a goner. If it was Cholera he was suffering from that would be a different story. Complete with getting to name the people in your posse (usually made to represent members of my family) made it even better, when trying to get them through.

Unlike the annoying, mindless, head-ache inducing children’s TV shows these days, (yes I’m talking about you ‘Yo Gabba Gabba’) Saturday mornings were enjoyed with legendary figures such as ‘Blues Clues’, ‘Wishbone’, ‘Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers’, ‘Bear in the Big Blue House’ and the iconic ‘Sesame Street’ (ya gotta love Oscar the Grouch).


Getting away from technology stuff though, that’s when I had the times that I most enjoyed and have the fondest memories of. Picture this, five or six unruly kids, an ill-tempered rooster and a large space. Sound dangerous? Very. but f-u-n (if you weren’t so slow as to be caught by the rooster). Growing up with four older brothers may have had something to do with it, but we (mostly them) would proceed to annoy and anger the red rooster until finally it would snap. Fittingly the rooster was dubbed Prince. As planned Prince would turn and begin to chase any and all of us, flapping and sounding quite possessed. Screaming and arms flailing we all would race desperately to the safe haven of piled tree limbs or nearest fence which we proceeded to climb until safe from the talons of the vengeful poultry. The creepy thing was that the rooster would circle us for a few minutes like a wolf and glare up at us with his shifty, beady eyes.

If you ask me, this is SO much better than anything requiring batteries or a plug. Plus, we got tons of exercise. The only down about it: We may have caused a chicken to have severe psychological issues.

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo #2- Water Balloon Flip-flops

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo-
1.~To start you will (obviously) need a pair of flip-flops. Have fun choosing your favorite color of flip-flop or a hue that would look good with the kind of water balloons you plan to use.
2.~ Now for the water balloons (which can be found at many of your local stores). There are quite a few different mixes of colors when it comes to water balloons. They come as just a singular color, a couple of colors, or (As seen in the picture) rainbow!! take your pick :)
3.~Once you have your supplies comes the hard part: tying them all on. Yes, they are small, tight little buggers but it IS possible. Depending on how large your fingers are will make the difficulty differ. I tyed mine on with double knots since they seem to have it in their minds to break free of an ordinary knot. its up to you how sparse or tightly packed they are.
Sage Wisdom: Don't try to tie them all on at once, especially if the water balloons are really unflexable, your fingers will get sore and you possibly may aquire a blister.

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo #1- Coffee cup pencil holder

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo:
1.~take a used coffee cup of your choice(preferably one that isn't stained or chewed) and rinse it out.
2.~ find some craft yarn/rope/ribbon of your choice and circle the top of the cup. To attach it I find that a hot glue-gun works great.
3.~to add more spice and a more vintage flavor to your cup, wrap some lace (^as shown), ribbon, or cloth that you like around it too!
4.~Stick your amazing supplies into it, and there ya go!

Homeschooling Prejudice

Sometimes when people hear the word 'homeschooled' the picture that automatically comes to mind is a nerdy, out-of-the-loop, sheltered, glasses wearing, 'Sound of Music' listening, timid person who constantly talkes about school or what intriguing, theological book they just read. Though some people do have some or all of these qualities this picture is completely off target. Some may prefer the classical music, some, like myself, greatly enjoy bands and artists such as Reliant K, Britt Nicole, Thousand Foot Krutch and such others. One (if not the biggest) question which bugs me that people ask after finding out you're a homeschooler is, "Do you have any friends?" -this always makes me chuckle, especially after getting done with a week of constant get-togethers, sport events, and activities, WITH friends. Yes, there are marked differences from most public schoolers and homeschoolers, like: we dont get snow-days, can snack/drink coffee durring class, wear fuzzy slippers while doing algebra and never get teachers we don't like. Yes, I for one (though I can't speak for all other homeschoolers) have been to a concert, yes, I have played sports, yes, I have watched movies other than 'Old Yeller' and 'Finding Nemo', yes, I do enjoy a good game of PS2, yes, I do believe God is my savior and redeemer, and yes, someday I hope to own a motorcycle. So, as you can tell, sounds like quite an adventure! :)

The Quote that Started it All

"Adventures are funny things.

They may creep out of holes,

appear down a seldom trodden path,

fall out of a tree,

or even arrive in an envelope,

but they always start in the same way.

Adventures always begin with the unexpected..."

-The Door Within

(by Wayne Thomas Batson)