Let's Grade Teachers More Often; Accountability Is Lacking

What is going on in our school system? I am so tired of teachers not doing their jobs.

Maybe that is why so many parents are home-schooling their children. We have to do the teachers' jobs anyway. Might as well teach them from home.

The amount of homework that comes home each night is ridiculous. What are these teachers doing during the day?

Today was the kicker and what got me into this rant. My daughter, who's very smart, came home with science homework. She said to me, "Mom, I don't understand this." I asked her why she didn't ask the teacher. Her reply? "Because they look at you like you're stupid."

That did not make me feel good at all. Keep in mind my daughter has made the Honor Roll every semester since she started middle school. I really don't doubt her feelings on this matter. Over the years I think I have done more teaching in the evening than the majority of the teachers have done during the course of a day.

Now I'm not saying all teachers are like this, but it seems more are than aren't. A teacher's job is to teach and if you have to go over something over and over again, oh well -- isn't that your job?

We need to be grading these teachers just as they grade our kids. Just because you have a degree doesn't mean you are qualified to teach a subject. In fact, in most cases the more some of these teachers know about the subject they're teaching, the more they are unable to teach the subject at all!

The pattern I seem to always see are in the subjects of math and science. I'm sure these teachers are very smart, but they can't seem to teach others. Maybe because they find it so easy they can't relate. They have to be able to take the time and care. They also have to remember that these are children. As far as I am concerned, if the children aren't successful neither is the teacher.

Making kids take notes and rambling for an hour every day isn't teaching. You have to talk to these kids and put it in a context that is interesting and one that they can understand. Talking to them in Greek won't get the job done.

My daughter comes home each night to ask my husband and me for help. Of course we do help her, but in a way that she can understand. How come I can teach her in a way she understands, but they can't? Isn't that what we pay them to do?

Over the years I've done this time and time again. I feel my daughter's success is mostly due to what my husband and I have done at home to teach her. Now isn't that sad. This child is in school for seven hours a day and still has to come home and have us explain stuff to her. Not just once in awhile, but on a consistent basis.

I feel so sad for these kids who have no support system at home. How will they ever succeed if the teachers in school aren't doing their jobs?

We need to have some kind of system that grades these teachers and holds them accountable to some degree. That's part of why our country is going down the tubes. Most of the teachers are just not able to teach. Like I said, just because you have a degree doesn't mean you are qualified to teach our children.


Sometimes, homeschooling seems like a better and better option


Most of the teachers now don't even grade the kids' papers. They have the children do it. How in the heck can you know if a child needs help if you don't take the time to grade the papers yourself? The other way they are grading now are with these scanning machines. The child fills in the circles on a narrow sheet and they put it in a machine and it grades the paper. Again, talk about being out of touch with the children in your class! How can you possibly know what is going on, when you're relying on machines, and other students, to grade assignments?

I guess the school districts are okay with these scanning machines, otherwise they wouldn't provide them. Instead of making the teachers' jobs easier, why aren't they making things easier on our kids? Make these teachers teach and hold them responsible for a class's success or failure. They do that in the real world -- why not in the classroom?

You have to have patience as a teacher and be able to instruct children in a way they understand. Our school system is broken and someone needs to fix it and quickly. How will we remain a super power when we fail our kids on a regular basis?

Our children's future success is in all of our hands and teachers need to do their part too! You chose this profession so be the best you can be -- just like you expect from the kids.

Let Dinner Table Be Heart Of Your Family's Togetherness

As I was sitting here trying to think of what to write, for some reason my grandmother (on my mother's side) popped into my head. I started thinking about her and the rest of my family. I truly think I was lucky to be born into the family that I was.

I have so many fond memories. My grandmother's name was Julia, or Julie as everyone called her. She had such a sense of humor and was so fun to be around. My grandfather was Carl. He was a typical Italian man. He was born in Italy. My grandmother was Italian, but born here in the U.S.

It's funny but these two people were so different. He was of the old country and she was very Americanized. About the only thing I could see that these two had in common was an Italian background. However, I couldn't have been more wrong.

They raised seven children together, and lost one baby boy to pneumonia. They were married until the day my grandfather passed away in 1988. I saw them go through many things over the years; their love had to be very strong. Especially having three of their sons pass away over the course of their lives.

I think this is where a lot of my strength and family values come from. The most important thing we have is our families. That remains the reason I do all the things I do. Like most people some days I just don't want to cook, but I push myself. Mainly it's because I believe the dinner table is the only place during the course of the week that we are all at at the same time.

Meal time is the time where we can talk about our day. This is usually the only time during the day and the evening we say a prayer together and we do it before we eat our evening meal. I know religion and God is something people don't like to talk about today, but to me that's where the heart of my family is and where I get my strength.


This isn't my family, but the scene depicted was typical when I was a child and teenager

Faith is something you can't see, feel or touch, but in my heart I know that it has gotten me through some of the hardest trials in my life. Faith and a sense of family values I believe are the most important foundation we can have in our lives.

Even if you don't believe in God, I think your family is what gets you through some of the most difficult times. I just happen personally to believe in God. I don't believe I was born to the family I was by accident. I think there was a plan.

My memories of my grandparents and their quiet strength will continue to touch me throughout my life. Even though they aren't here with me any longer I feel them every day and they live through me. My memories can never be taken from me and my grandparents, dad and uncles will never die as long as they remain in my heart.

I will never forget the laughter, food and the smell of coffee coming from my grandmother's kitchen. The heart of our family was truly the kitchen. I still believe it is to this day. At the core of that heart is a faith in God and family.

So remember, even if you're exhausted at the end of the day, push yourself a little and make sure you cook for your family. Even if it's something simple. It will create memories and love. Isn't that worth a little more effort?



My husband Greg, daughter Nikki (and Scamp) creating new memories -- in the kitchen, naturally!



The heart of every family I believe comes from you and your kitchen. Please take the time to create lasting memories for your family. It's one way to say, "I love and appreciate you!" The people in your family are the most important people you will have in your life. Please make sure they know. Nothing replaces love and memories.

That's the reason I try to cook everyday. I believe that the heart of my family lies within me. It's up to me to create lasting memories that my family will carry throughout their lives. The smell every night from my kitchen and sitting together as a family at the dinner table is one way I am making memories for my family.

A house is made of walls and beams, a home is built with love and dreams. Try to make memories for your family. The best way to let people know you love them is to show them. One way is a warm meal and family time at the dinner table. Give it a try!

In The Year Of The Recall, Look To Homemade Toys This Holiday Season

I've addressed this on my blog before, but I guess it needs to be brought up again.

I watch the news on a pretty regular basis. Again, I am appalled at the government's slow reaction at anything that affects this nation's people. When it come to children I get even more upset.

Yet again, seven more U.S. children became sick after ingesting Chinese-made toy beads that were recalled last week because of a toxic coating.

Now if you aren't aware of the product, please check your home and call friends with children. The Spin Master Aqua Dots are the name of the toxic toy. This news should be plastered everywhere, but it isn't.


The Aqua Dots toy that's being recalled

The chemical that these beads are covered in causes children to be knocked unconscious. This particular chemical metabolizes into gamma hydroxybutyrate -- better known as the "date-rape drug".

On top of the child being knocked unconscious, it can also cause seizures, drowsiness, coma, and even death.

Where is the outrage from our government? These are our children -- our babies! Since this administration has been in office the country has done nothing but gone downhill at an alarming rate.

This government should be banning anything that comes from China! If not, everything that comes into our country should be tested thoroughly and these companies should have to pay for every bit of it. They should also make sure that the cost of such prevention doesn't get passed along to the consumer. There's a price for cheap labor and these companies should be made to pay for it.

I hope these toy companies get sued so badly they are put out of business. These are our children and there should be such a human outcry. They put American workers out of business to send products overseas to be made cheaper. I feel no pity for these companies, but as usual they are not the only ones hurt. When it comes to any child being harmed in any way that is where I really lose my temper. Especially when this could have all been avoided by someone testing these products and just plain doing their job!

The other thing that makes me mad is that it wasn't our govenment that banned these toys. It was in Beijing, China that they banned exports of this toy. That only happened after these Aqua Dots had been recalled in other countries. On top of that, China probably wouldn't have done anything either if an investigation hadn't been ordered.

The Chinese government doesn't care about their own people -- why would they care about ours? Furthermore, our government is just as bad; they don't protect us either. Where do we turn? The people running for president in 2008 aren't addressing all the issues facing our country today. They gloss over issues and I am sick and tired of them walking a fine line.

If you believe in something you should stand up for it and not be afraid of what others will say. We need people in our government who are honest and have a backbone. Personally I don't think there is anyone who fits this description, among the presidential candidates.

When it comes to children that is when I really get mad. We are here to protect them -- not put them in danger and our government and corporate America should make sure of that.

My daughter, Nicole, is 14 now so she doesn't really play with toys anymore. She's into her iPod, writing stories with her friends, and being a usual teenager. However, if I had a precious little one I wouldn't buy a single toy sold in stores this year. Hit these companies in the pocket book!

A few weeks back it was said that this would be the safest holiday on record. That is already not happening. Why believe anything the so-called experts say? If I had a little one, what I would do is buy toys at local craft shows. This time of the year, you can find such shows all over the place, usually at churches and schools. A lot of these retired gentlemen -- and ladies -- make beautiful wooden toys. I've bought them in the past for my daughter. Not only are you helping these folks that make these wonderful toys, you are also keeping your child safe. I'd trust someone like a local crafter more than I would these big toy manufacturers.

The kind of toys you find at a craft show are ones that will require kids to use more of their imagination. In the long run they will probably love the toy much more than a store bought one. It will probably keep them more entertained. Plus, the toys are better made --with care, love, and pride. Tell your kids that this hand-made toy was made especially for them and there isn't another one like it in the whole world. Make them feel special -- because they are. As parents we need to remember that there isn't another person like that special child in our life and he/she can't be replaced. Our children are made with care, love, and pride -- just like these special toys!


Homemade, hand-made toys like this car can be found at your local church or school's craft shows

If you want to keep your kids safe this holiday season, try a homemade toy. Maybe if we go back to the way things used to be we will all be better off. Not to mention, our kids will be safe. What could be better for all of us?

Wanting To Protect Our Borders Is NOT Racism

I am an American of Italian/Polish descent. My great-grandparents came to this country legally.

That is why I am so sick and tired of people in the government labeling me a racist because I believe our borders should be closed.

I have nothing against Mexicans, but I am against people coming into this country illegally. They also seem to expect the same rights and in some cases more rights than I have. My only curse today is having been born in this country.

I used to consider myself middle class. As time goes on and the war continues, the middle class is slowly but surely being eliminated and so are my rights as an American citizen.

My father fought in WWII for this country as a very young man. He brought me up to believe in the American government and always said they did what was best for their people. Well, at one time maybe they did, but not now.

Is this the thanks that my dad gets for being a veteran of WWII? Is this the thanks we get as his family for him putting his life on the line? They call us racist because we want our country secure. You're welcome!!!

How can we possibly have reform immigration if we can't control it?

It also doesn't matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican; both parties are putting the American family dead last.

What part of illegal doesn't anyone understand? I'm all for people coming into this country legally; that's what this country was built on. I am not, however, for anyone coming here illegally. Why are they better than my family? Why do they have more rights than I have? Why am I being labeled a racist because I want people to be legal citizens?

President Bush seems to want to fight terrorism overseas. Yet terrorists can come through the Mexican border. It's absolutely the craziest thing I have ever seen, and it makes no sense.

I worry about my family every day and I feel like this is not my country anymore. This government time and time again refuses to protect us. I am sick and tired of paying taxes for people who are not looking out for the American families' best interest. The only thing these politicians care about are votes and to heck with the American people!

Also, isn't it time we released Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, who were given terms of 11 and 12 years, respectively, on their convictions for shooting an illegal alien drug smuggler? This is how the government thanks them and their families for protecting our borders? By throwing them in jail?


U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos (left) and Jose Compean

Well if no one else will say it I will. Thank you, Mr. Ramos and Mr. Compean for protecting our borders. I as an American am so sorry for what your families are going through, and the American government should be ashamed of themselves. If I was actually a racist would I be saying this to two gentlemen who are clearly of Mexican descent? Probably not!!!

It is a well-known fact that Mexico remains the primary source for illegal drugs to enter our country. These drugs include cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamines. The border in Mexico is the main battlefield in the war against drugs and the federal government has done nothing to secure it.

As an American citizen I am tired of the government and their excuses. I'm sure I am not the only person who feels this way. It's time to stand up and say we are not going to take this anymore!!! How dare anyone call me a racist when I want things to be done legally. I believe it is irresponsible to label people as racist for your own political gain. I'm sure I'm not alone in my feelings.

Even though my dad is no longer with us I wish him Happy Veterans Day. Your family appreciates the sacrifice you gave to your country -- even if the government you protected doesn't respect the family you left behind.

To all the veterans out there, thanks for all you've done for this country; the American people appreciate it!

Last but not least to our brave men and women serving our country: I thank you and your family for the sacrifices you are making. For all our military on the front lines, I pray for your safe and quick return home!

Happy Veterans Day!

Why Dirty Tons Of Pots And Pans When One Will Do The Trick?

One of the best ways I have found to save money and stretch your food budget is by utilizing leftovers.

I love to make one pot comfort meals.

The best way I have found to do this is by doubling the recipe. When you make soups and stews this is very easy to do. It is also very cost effective.

Also, the aroma from the meal will greet your family as they come home. What a nice thing to come home to after a hard day!

For instance, the other day I made stew. Stew meat is one of the cheapest meats you can buy and when cooked long enough it's delicious. So if you are a stay-at-home mom these kinds of meals are always within your reach.

Also, when you have leftovers you don't have to cook again. All you do is heat them up. So on nights when the kids have activities this is a great way to give them a home-cooked meal without fussing all over again.

The other thing about one pot meals is that the clean-up is minimal. One pot, no clean-up and you're out the door in an instant.

If you work during the week you can always make these kinds of dishes on the weekend and heat them up during the week. Food will usually last at least four days in the refrigerator. Usually with one pot meals like soups and stews the longer they sit the better they taste.

The following stew I made the other day and we're having the leftovers tonight. Stew is always a hit with my family.


One pot: cuts down on the clean-up!


Beef Stew

3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat
2 Tablespoons cooking oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme (crush in hand before adding)
3 cups of vegetable juice
1 teaspoon instant beef boullion granules
Few dashes of hot sauce
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 1/2 cups of sliced celery
1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup of green beans (fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon salt

In a plastic bag combine flour and salt. Add meat cubes, a few at a time, shaking to coat. In a large pot brown meat in the hot oil. Add onion, garlic and thyme. Cook until onion is translucent, but not brown. Stir in vegetable juice, boullion, hot sauce, and 1 cup water. Bring to boiling point; reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 2 hours or till meat is tender. Stir in potatoes, celery, green beans, and carrot. Cover and simmer 30 to 45 minutes more. Skim off fat.

This will serve 6.

I doubled this recipe to get two meals.

This stew was a hit with my husband and daughter. The best part is I don't have to cook tonight and they will still get a great home-cooked meal. All I do is heat it on the stove and dinner is served. Again, one pot, so my clean-up will be minimal this evening.

So try soups and stews. It's easy on you. Best of all it's healthy and your family will love it! I guarantee it will be a hit with your family too.

Nothing like a hot meal to come home to after a long day!

Men In The Kitchen: It Doesn't Always Have To Be A Nightmare

I think one of the things that attracted me to my husband 17 years ago was his ability to cook. I mean cook in the kitchen, of course!

It's such a nice thing for men to be able to have a few dishes they are able to prepare. Because let's face it -- every now and then the wife will get sick. It's nice to be able to rely on your husband to feed the kids without going to McDonald's or some other fast food joint.

Now I'm not saying my husband can cook everything, but he can hold his own in the kitchen. He makes a mean stir fry. He also makes a wonderful dill pickle soup. Now I know that sounds awful, but it is one of the best soups you will ever have!

In fact, I am half Polish and my husband, who isn't Polish, made this soup for me when we were dating. I never heard of this soup before he mentioned it to me. Greg had seen the recipe in the newspaper, kept it and had the guts and ability to make it. What a brave guy! I thought I would hate it, but to my amazement it was just terrific. I was so sure I would have to come up with some kind of little white lie so I wouldn't hurt his feelings. To my astonishment I absolutely loved it!

Well, it's been over 17 years and we're still eating and enjoying it! Our daughter, Nicole, has been eating and loving it since she was very small. In fact, she bugs her dad to make it as often as he can. You see, even men can start traditions. I give full credit for this recipe to my husband, Greg. I'm sure he doesn't realize how special he makes us feel when he makes this soup for us.

The following recipe is a little more involved than my previous ones, but it is well worth it. This one you may want to make on the weekends when you aren't too busy.

Glorified Polish Dill Pickle Soup

11 cups water
1 pound fresh kielbasa (NOT smoked)
1 cup cold water
3 medium potatoes -- washed, peeled, and finely chopped
3 carrots -- scrubbed, finely chopped
1 medium onion -- peeled, ends removed and finely chopped
2 ribs celery -- finely chopped, including leaves
1 large dill pickle, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup quick cooking barley
1 cup dill pickle juice
2 cups sour cream (16 ounces)

In a large soup pot, bring 11 cups of water to a boil. Reduce heat and add the kielbasa. Cover and simmer for one hour, skimming foam as necessary. Remove kielbasa and coarsely chop; return to pot. Add potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, pickle, bay leaf, seasoned salt, garlic salt, seasoned pepper, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and barley. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and add the pickle juice. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes more.

Just before serving, pour one cup (8 ounces) of the broth into a small bowl. Scoop sour cream into a separate small bowl. Temper the sour cream by stirring in one tablespoon of broth at a time until the cup of broth is gone. Now add the tempered sour cream into the soup pot and heat; do NOT let the soup boil or it will curdle. Makes 8 to 10 large servings.

Now ladies, your kitchen may look like WWII just happened there, but let your husbands in the kitchen too. My daughter will have many happy memories of not just my home-cooked meals, but also her dad's. What a nice thing for a man to do for the people he loves the most. Flowers are nice, but there is nothing like a home-cooked meal and a night off for the special ladies in their lives. It comes from the heart and what could be better than that?

So come on guys -- roll up your sleeves and get in the kitchen! My husband is the perfect example of a man's ability to make a wonderful meal for his family. Why does it always have to be the wife? Give your wives or girlfriends a night off and see if she doesn't appreciate it!


Men: Don't be afraid of the kitchen!

Get yourself a nice big loaf of crusty bread and a big bowl of Dill Pickle Soup. It's nice on a cold blustery day!

Enjoy the soup -- we sure do!!!

Thanks Greg!

Don't Forget Grandparents When It Comes To Family Foundation

My mornings are usually very hectic. I hardly have time to breathe. My time has to be spent well and I have to multi-task.

After that, however, I take a half hour or so to just sit and relax. For instance, right after I add a new entry to my blog I sit and have a cup of tea. Sometimes it's coffee. The point is, I just sit and relax.

This time of the morning our dogs have already been outside and are back inside sleeping somewhere in the house. We have a cockatiel who is still covered and sleeping also. Now time for a little needed R&R for about half an hour. It re-energizes me and that's the best thing for my family.

Today's very crazy because on top of my usual chores this morning I started a load of laundry between my daughter's breakfast and driving her to school. She has a half day of school today -- so instead of making her lunch I decided to fill the time with some laundry.

Fridays are extra busy for me because I usually scrub my floor and vacuum for the weekend. I like my family to come home to a very clean house on Fridays. Plus, when I get all my cleaning done on Friday, I have more time to devote to them on the weekend.

I also want to e-mail my mother-in-law. I want to send her pictures of Nicole and her friends in their Halloween costumes. My mother-in-law lives 45 minutes away from us. E-mail is a great way to keep her up to date on what is happening around here. I want her to know that she's a very special part of our family, despite our distances apart. Keeping her up-to-date is a great way to let her know we are thinking about her.

I also need to take time to see my mom and spend some time with her. For instance, I had to take her to the doctor this past week. Her hearing isn't very good anymore. I like to go to all her appointments so I make sure I know what's going with her medications and I can get her to understand. My mom has always been there for me and I want to be there for her now that she is getting up in age (she's 82).

My dad and father-in-law both have passed away so it's up to me and my husband to do what we can for our moms. I try to be a good daughter and daughter-in-law and I hope that I am.

I also think this sets a good example for Nicole. She loves both her grandmothers and I make sure when they are here she spends time with them. I'm pretty proud of her because she doesn't even have to be told; she loves spending time with both of them.

In fact, my mother-in-law was over for dinner last weekend and one of her friends wanted to get together with her on Saturday. She told her friend no because her grandma was coming over. She did this all on her own -- she didn't have to be told. Sometimes you wonder as a parent if you're getting things across to your kids. This was a perfect example of, yes I have!

I think it's very important for kids to spend time with their grandparents. It teaches them to respect older people and makes your family whole. It's very important for kids to not only have a good relationship with their parents, but also their grandparents. It's also up to us as parents to make sure that happens.



Having a happy and close family is the best and most important foundation we can give our kids. It's important for children to be able to maintain a relationship with older people as well as younger people.

Make sure your kids have a great relationship with their grandparents. That won't happen unless you have a great relationship with not only your children, but also your parents.

A good and healthy family is the best thing we can give our kids. With all the pressure out there they need a good foundation. A close relationship with kids and grandparents is important and is only a phone call away.

Have a great weekend!!