Thursday, March 27, 2008

Cake #2

by Erica


I asked 3 year-old Maelynn what she wanted her birthday cake to look like. She said, "white with yellow flowers." Phew, I am glad she didn't ask for Belle or Cinderella. Yellow flowers I can do. Maybe after I take my cake decorating classes in April I will be able to make a Disney princess.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Karisa's Visit

by Erica

We had such a nice visit with my sister Karisa. It was great to get to spend so many days together. It was also nice to have family in town for Easter weekend.
Ashlyn loved having her aunt around to give her extra attention and love.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

New Homeschooling Law in California

by Erica

There is an upsetting new ruling in the state of California that makes it illegal for parents to homeschool their children unless they are certified to teach. Please visit our friend, Scott's blog, to view more information about it.

My parents were both teachers in the public school system. Jason and I both went to public schools and I worked in a public school for 3 years. All this to say, I am not anti-public schools, but there are certainly flaws in the system.

A parent who is actively involved in what their child is learning makes a better teacher than someone who holds a piece of paper from the state. As parents, we should be allowed to choose which academic setting best fits the needs of our children.

I believe these are Scott's words which really drives home the point. "You have a government that says they can, and will, take your children for six hours a day and teach them whatever they want, and we as parents have no legal right to participate in or influence their education."

Scary, isn't it!

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

My First Cake

by Erica

I baked and decorated my first cake tonight. I am happy with the way it turned out. I learned a lot along the way. Cake decorating is a lot trickier than I first thought. First you have to bake a pretty level cake. It can't be too moist or too crumbly. Secondly, spreading the icing on the cake without getting crumbs in the icing can be tricky. I need more practice with this step. Then there is the decorating component. That can be as difficult as you want to make it.

I need to practice, so if you would like for me to make a free cake for you, give me a ring. I am worried about one thing with my new hobby. Will I have enough willpower to not sample all my work? Today I was not very successful. My exercise bike is calling my name.