Speaking of Graduation

We've been very graduation-focused lately and it's had me reflecting a lot on my own high school graduation (and C's) waaaaaay back in 1991.

Yep, that's me at 17 with my Dad and Mom.  This was probably my favorite year for my hair when I look at these old photos of me as I was growing up.  The "bob" just suited me back then.  Back when I was cute.  Haha.

Please Help This Homeschooling Family

I don't know if you have followed the news about the German family seeking political asylum here in the United States so they may continue to homeschool their children.  But here is an article posted by Fox News about their plight if you would like to find out more.

In the meantime, HSLDA is helping them fight their battle and they are asking for our help.  Here is text from an email I received today from Mike Farris of HSLDA (of which we are members), asking us to sign a petition they've put together to help change the minds of our federal government, who right now wants to send this family back to Germany to be persecuted.

Honoring the Children

I received an email from one of my uncles last night and though I don't know who wrote this (I'm sure it's gone viral so you may have already read this yourself), but I thought it was a touching tribute to the children who lost their lives at Sandy Brook Elementary in Newtown, CT, so I wanted to share it here in their honor...

Catching Up

I haven't seen my computer much over the past week.  I think Christmastime keeps me pretty busy doing a lot of other stuff (so I have more I can write about here?), so please don't give up on me.  As things settle down, I'll get back to posting more regularly ... but for now, I'll post when I have a free moment.

Slender Man

Okay, so apparently, it's all the rage around here with middle school boys to spook each other with stories about Slender Man.  Have any of you heard about this mythical character?  There's a bunch of stuff online (go ahead, I dare you to Google it -- but I don't advise you to download games and such unless you trust the source), but the whole idea of it falls in line with spooky tales I remember from my childhood (i.e. Bloody Mary and the Candyman).

News for Brady Bunch Fans

The Brady Bunch was one of the shows I remember watching regularly in childhood and one that I've shared with our own children over the years.  It's quirky, fun and fairly wholesome.  If you've never seen an episode (hard to imagine), you can still catch the reruns on TV Land.

Well, I just read in the news that CBS is planning a Brady Bunch reboot!  I'm wondering if it'll still be a wholesome family show or what ... but I'm looking forward to finding out.

I was so excited, I just had to share!

New Pants

If you know our son, Z, or if you're getting to know him through my stories here at Mama Flock, you know he loves all things stuffed animals.

I just saw this news story and the picture is just hilarious.  I soooo need to figure out a way to make Z some pants like this for his next birthday or Christmas or something.  He would just be in complete love -- being able to take all these friends with him every where he goes.

I Pray

If you haven't been bombarded enough by all the news on television, text-messaging services, online news sources or tweets, there was a mass-shooting in Aurora, Colorado, last night.

Thankfully, they have the suspect in custody.  Unfortunately, several people were killed and many more were injured.

I pray for the families of the victims and for the recovery of those who were injured.  I pray that justice is served swiftly in the case of the suspect.  I pray that he repents of his sin and knows Jesus Christ before his own demise.  I pray for the hundreds of law enforcement officials involved in this case, that they may be wise and fair in their evidence gathering and processing.  I pray for the people of Aurora, that they may continue living lives without fear.

In reading a couple articles about the situation this morning, I saw the suspect's mother was quoted in reaction to the news of her son's arrest, as saying, "You have the right person...I need to call the police..."

I also pray that there never comes a day when I have to be that mom.

An Amazing Mama

Here at Mama Flock, I love sharing stories about amazing mothers in the world.  I find it inspiring as a mother to read about others who have figured out some of the intricacies of momming.  It's a tough job and I can use all the indirect advice I can gather on the subject.

Anyway, I was reading this morning, an article published by ABC News, about a 104-year-old mother who now cares for her elderly daughter who lives with dementia.  What an amazing person!

Click here to go to the article -- though if you Google her name, there are many versions of the same article (and some video footage - she's so cute!) if ABC isn't you're news source of choice.

I hope you enjoy reading about her as well.  Be encouraged.

Earth, Wind & Fire

No, this is not a flashback to the 1970s.  This is a tribute to the lovely wind we've been having here in central New Mexico that stirs up a whole lot of earth (sand) and brings in pollution from forest fires happening all around us.  It's great.

Okay, so I'm being a little sarcastic.  I mean, who wants to be surrounded constantly by the scent of a campfire without the benefit of its warmth and s'mores ... or camping?  And then while inhaling the aromas of burning forests, we also get to be pelted with sand.  It's a whole lot of sneezing and eye-watering going on around here for the past two days.  A lot of indoor time happening here.

Busy Week

I managed to start a post on Monday, but I feel weird posting it now because I'm not in the same mood and it's no longer Monday -- it's already Friday (night!).  It's been that kind of week.  And for those who are really squeamish, this may not be a post for you ... but for those of my readers who are mama's, maybe you can understand my need to include some details here.  It's really for my own peace of mind to write it out.

Current News: In God We Trust & The $5 Sandwich

Okay, so since I am home and adultless for the majority of my day, I have made it somewhat of a priority to at least check the news now and then so I can feel less disconnected from the world outside.  And sometimes it allows me to have a grown-up conversation with someone -- when I am around a grown-up, that is.

Anyway, two news stories recently sparked my interest and I'm curious if any of you readers of mine have any thoughts on the subject.