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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Nov 13 2013 at 11:47am | IP Logged
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To come here this morning and find absolutely NO posts. I mean sometimes there's not a lot but usually there's something. 
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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MaryM
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| Posted: Nov 13 2013 at 12:06pm | IP Logged
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My thoughts, too! Glad to see we are actually still here...
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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Mackfam
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Non Nobis
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| Posted: Nov 13 2013 at 12:25pm | IP Logged
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Wow! 
Guess everyone is focused, focused doing lessons and reading! 
And chores and scrubbing! 
Happy to see you ladies around! 
I've been finishing up fall clothes switcheroo in my 6 month old's little wardrobe/closet  and organizing in the laundry area  !
What have y'all been up to that's kept you so FOCUSED  at home??
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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pmeilaen
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Teaching a college class, teaching my own five children, making sure everybody is on time for art class, for ballet class, for a cleaning job, for co-op classes, for French table, you get the picture, holding office hours for my German students, and trying to keep things going while my husband is giving papers at conferences. It's hard to do all three things on my own.
And now my little one came down with a bad cold/cough.
Asking not for sympathy, but there might be other people who have little time to spend on the computer these days.
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Eva
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Nov 13 2013 at 1:16pm | IP Logged
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pmeilaen wrote:
| Asking not for sympathy, but there might be other people who have little time to spend on the computer these days. |
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Glad you've got lots of great stuff going on Eva! And sorry about the little one with the cold! That's no fun!!
I don't have much computer time either - it's a busy season!
Guess I was really just shooting for (or trying to anyway) being "light" about the observation of no one being around here...and wondering what everyone was up to! I wasn't implying that people should be dropping everything to be here! It's always a priority to keep eyes, hands and heart in home spaces!
Have a great day everyone!
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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MaryM
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| Posted: Nov 13 2013 at 1:30pm | IP Logged
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Mackfam wrote:
What have y'all been up to that's kept you so FOCUSED at home?? |
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Today, in addition to normal day activities, I am trying to get ready for a BIG saint doll exchange. Our support group is having one of the wooden saint doll exchanges in December. A friend and I are in organizing. We have 39 women participating, just ordered 1500 peg dolls and sorted and counted those last night. There are two demo nights where they pick up their supplies - tonight and tomorrow - so I am busy getting everything organized for that, double checking lists, getting supplies. It is going to be fun!
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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juliana147
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Strange... I am seeing the graphics on the homepage scrambled, and I just lost a post... I haven't had that happen before. ETA: I logged out, cleared cookies, and logged back in, and the problem seems to have gone away!
My busy-ness seems boring, but it is definitely getting more intense as the holidays approach... making plans and doing some advance cooking over here!
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- Juliana
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pmeilaen
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| Posted: Nov 13 2013 at 1:48pm | IP Logged
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Mackfam wrote:
pmeilaen wrote:
| Asking not for sympathy, but there might be other people who have little time to spend on the computer these days. |
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Glad you've got lots of great stuff going on Eva! And sorry about the little one with the cold! That's no fun!!
I don't have much computer time either - it's a busy season!
Guess I was really just shooting for (or trying to anyway) being "light" about the observation of no one being around here...and wondering what everyone was up to! I wasn't implying that people should be dropping everything to be here! It's always a priority to keep eyes, hands and heart in home spaces!
Have a great day everyone! |
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Oh, I didn't want to come across as defensive, I was just listing what came into my head. I've also noticed that 4Real has become very quiet, but is has been like this for quite a while now (months), at least that is what I have felt.
Off to office hours now. I know at least two students will come.
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Eva
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MaryM
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| Posted: Nov 13 2013 at 2:03pm | IP Logged
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pmeilaen wrote:
| Oh, I didn't want to come across as defensive, I was just listing what came into my head. I've also noticed that 4Real has become very quiet, but is has been like this for quite a while now (months), at least that is what I have felt. |
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Yes, I would concur that it has been low volume for many months...but not having even one post through half a day, is highly unusual. I was wondering if there had been any technical problems for some portion of that time.
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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JodieLyn
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Yep, it's been low volume although there have been a couple of topics with some chatter. But unless the forum was closed, there's always been at least a prayer request or two. Since I'm Pacific time and not a terribly early riser, there's usually lots of time for people to post.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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cvbmom
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| Posted: Nov 13 2013 at 3:23pm | IP Logged
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MaryM wrote:
Today, in addition to normal day activities, I am trying to get ready for a BIG saint doll exchange. Our support group is having one of the wooden saint doll exchanges in December. A friend and I are in organizing. We have 39 women participating, just ordered 1500 peg dolls and sorted and counted those last night. There are two demo nights where they pick up their supplies - tonight and tomorrow - so I am busy getting everything organized for that, double checking lists, getting supplies. It is going to be fun! |
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We did that last Advent and last Lent. It was SO WORTH the work, which there is A LOT of work involved. The results were amazing and we have a beautiful collection of saint dolls here that the kids love to play with, display, and enjoy
God bless,
Christine
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Wife to dh - 18 years!
Mom to dd (16), ds (15), dd, (12), dd (11), ds (9), dd (8), dd (7), ds (5), dd (3), ds (2), and ds (1)
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JennGM
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| Posted: Nov 13 2013 at 5:02pm | IP Logged
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1500??? Oh my!!!!
How are you doing this? One person makes the same saint for 39 families?
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1  '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Erin
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| Posted: Nov 13 2013 at 9:13pm | IP Logged
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Well I have a good excuse, my dd9 blew up my computer yesterday afternoon. To be fair she was trying to do the right thing, she was asked to turn it off and then unplug so it wasn't fried in the coming electrical storm. Unfortunately she didn't wait for it to finish shutting down before she switched the power switch off and unplugged the cord. Typing on dh's computer.
She was rather eager. On Sunday a lighting bolt struck a tree less than 50 metres from out house, the base of the tree caught fire and in our hot, drought conditions the fire spread rapidly. Fortunately we all saw it happen and the children and dh quickly ran out with shovels and they, ds14 and dd12 and dh managed to put it out without starting a bushfire. Even more profidently 3 minutes later we finally had rain, the first rain in many months.
Yippee we have water in the tanks  We were down to our last week of water, the children have been forbidden showers for weeks, having to make do with a swim in the pool. (no one felt deprived  )
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Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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Willa
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| Posted: Nov 13 2013 at 11:14pm | IP Logged
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I was surprised by no posts, too.... I admit I haven't visited here too often for some time, because life has been quite busy, but now that I've been stuck in bed most of the day (with a new laptop that actually loads pages reasonably quickly) I am haunting message boards and feedly, and was surprised to see it so quiet here!
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AMDG
Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
Take Up and Read
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pmeilaen
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MaryM wrote:
pmeilaen wrote:
| Oh, I didn't want to come across as defensive, I was just listing what came into my head. I've also noticed that 4Real has become very quiet, but is has been like this for quite a while now (months), at least that is what I have felt. |
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Yes, I would concur that it has been low volume for many months...but not having even one post through half a day, is highly unusual. I was wondering if there had been any technical problems for some portion of that time. |
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Actually to me the tone of the forum has changed over the years. When I joined there were many more people contributing and I thought it was a very warm, diverse, and interesting online community. Over the years that has somehow changed and I do miss all the former contributors that made discussions here more diverse, even somewhat controversial, and interesting. It seems to me that most topics are now going around in circles and there is nothing new anymore. Again, I'm not criticizing, just observing or stating how I feel about coming here now.
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Eva
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JennGM
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| Posted: Nov 14 2013 at 8:54am | IP Logged
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Things have changed in some ways. There are cycles and seasons in our lives. I know many moms who are no longer homeschooling, children are grown up. Some don't return because of the time constraints, different outside commitments, less computer time, etc.. Some have local support so don't need online friendships.
There is also a change in communication technology. Maybe this is considered an old-fashioned CB compared to the newer waves of communication. And some are using the newer ways for apostolate or raising income for their family.
I think there's a lot of change in the Catholic homeschooling world. Homeschooling conferences aren't doing well in attendance. As homeschoolers we aren't lonely or isolated anymore -- and many Catholics are figuring out different ways of doing their own approach.
And for a board that has been around for over 8 years, (I think that's right) changes are bound to happen. That's a long span of time.
Newer faces might have some new-to-them questions, but it's been something that we've talked about before. But that's okay, because every time something is highlighted again, there's always a new angle.
Anyway, that's my take on this, since I see the same cycles in my local homeschooling group.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Willa
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When I was touring the internet after such a long time mostly away, I noticed that though some homeschooling boards are fairly lively, many seemed to have sort of repetitious topics. I also notice that most yahoo groups are much quieter, and that the blogosphere doesn't seem as lively as it used to be. Or maybe that is just me? Anyway, I don't have a single theory to account for it, but it does seem that way to me.
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Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
Take Up and Read
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JennGM
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Willa wrote:
| When I was touring the internet after such a long time mostly away, I noticed that though some homeschooling boards are fairly lively, many seemed to have sort of repetitious topics. I also notice that most yahoo groups are much quieter, and that the blogosphere doesn't seem as lively as it used to be. Or maybe that is just me? Anyway, I don't have a single theory to account for it, but it does seem that way to me. |
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Yes, my yahoo groups, local and otherwise are very silent.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Nov 14 2013 at 10:17am | IP Logged
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I'm part of another board and we're seeing the same thing. And it pretty well coincided with people picking up facebook and twitter. People only have so much time to be online and the "shiny new" options are taking that time from the older ones. The blogs I know of that are getting lots of traffic are the ones that have a facebook presence.
I still come here though. I love the community and the ability to search the archives. Facebook is really hard to check stuff from even a few days ago.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Angie Mc
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pmeilaen wrote:
Actually to me the tone of the forum has changed over the years. When I joined there were many more people contributing and I thought it was a very warm, diverse, and interesting online community. Over the years that has somehow changed and I do miss all the former contributors that made discussions here more diverse, even somewhat controversial, and interesting. It seems to me that most topics are now going around in circles and there is nothing new anymore. Again, I'm not criticizing, just observing or stating how I feel about coming here now. |
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Hi Eve! Since we've been connected for years online, I know I can just get straight to my points, as you did yours, and not go through the "the disclaimer" part of explaining that we're all friends here and that this strangely long for me post isn't a flame thrower! So to me...
This is still a very warm and interesting place, just not as diverse or passion driven. We're older, more settled, and into other routines. That's a fact and not a bad thing. We can't fake youthful angst, drama, or confusion. Well OK, I can sometimes but mostly related to baseball . But this board is as or more kind, welcoming, and clear than anyplace on the web. Fact.
As individuals, I find everyone here endlessly interesting! Personally, the content of "how to homeschool' not so much. How to live our faith? Not so much. Because I'm living the fruits of our labors via a vibrant faithful family life. I don't need to "process" as much. We've got it - at least our version of it. So no need pulls me here or to any other similar content. I've broadened my reach to Family Life and I'm trying my best to get out there and share the good news about it! I'm broad in scope, now, because I'm trying to reach out...really reach out. Every member here has something fabulous going on just to be graced enough to know that faith is important, that homeschooling is a powerful avenue to family growth. Most people can't get there before they start someplace more basic, like how to be respectful...how to enjoy each other's company... how to engage positively.
What I find interesting about your comment, about missing old contributors, is that many of them were the first to abandon this social media format for other formats, mainly blogs at first. They stopped contributing here. Do I miss them? Some. Like I miss some of my classmates from high school. And college. And the friends from the early years of my marriage. Do I pine for them? No. I've either stayed in touch with them or I have wished them well with no hard feelings.
And I need to give a shout out to the folks who have stayed. Who have contributed for so many years, especially those who have been doing the daily watch. Daily. For years. They are the ones who have answered newbie questions, shared their vast experience, and keep the message board format attractive, up-to-date, and easy to use. I love them, but this can't be spun into my personal and subjective opinion. They have objectively kept these doors open. Open to all. Everyday except Sunday.
But they aren't responsible for people not walking through the door. There is nothing innately wrong or boring, here. There are simple expectations of courtesy but nothing heavy handed. No censoring. This place is transparent. And the message board format is still comparable to other media (unlike yahoogroups which was very cumbersome.)
While this board attracts many, many visitors - and I'm speculating that many are young - they don't contribute. They really don't. I think they look at us as another Google source. Ask a question. Find the answer, Get out.
The past years I've worked to stay a contributor here via a Wednesday Shout Out. A "just say hey" post. Last week, out of over 200 people who read it... 5 replied (and may I say you 5 are the cat's meow). This week I posted again and flat out asked, why out of 200 people only 5 replied. Now, I could take this personally. They don't like me. Or what I posted. But that doesn't seem right. I mean, really, it's just to say hi and give a quick note about your week. This shout out is modeled on twitter, the fastest, easiest social media to say hi. Still...not even a hi. There are meatier topics posted, too, but they don't receive replies either. Not proportionate to the number of views.
To be clear, I'm not hurt or deflated I don't need pats on my back. No one here does or we wouldn't still be here. But at some point, everyone wants to feel connected and not just viewed.
So here's my consolation. I've initiated and contributed. And I know that I can never repay all of those who have contributed to me.
And I'm absolutely thrilled that we're not needed in the way we were 8 years ago...or tack a few more years onto that if you want to include the yahoogroup. (Which has been defunct for some time.) I think the whole goal of a ministry is to not be needed, if that means everyone in need is getting their needs met elsewhere.
So I assume the best. That that is exactly what has happened. That through other forms of media, the growing numbers of homeschoolers to meet locally, and the foundation that was built these past years, younger homeschoolers can do so with more ease, confidence, and good information.
I don't miss the angst, confusion, lack of confidence, or bravado of my younger self one bit. Not one bit! Confidence, peace, clarity, and a true positive self regard are great! Graced to me, in large part, through the members and vision here. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.
And if you have read this far, wow. Thank you again  .
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: It was pretty weird...
