Miriam Caldwell's comments

Babies Aren't Lepers - Blog Entry

05 Aug 2006 07:10 PM

I have a funny story about an airplane flight. We boarded the plane with my daughter (four) and my nearly one year old son. It was Christmas time, so a lot of traveling families. We completed one flight rather comfortably. No crying, some giggling and laughing. We had a layover, but didn't have to leave the plane. Well one gentleman (the adjective doesn't really fit) got up rather rudely, saying stuff about too many kids on the plane, and changed seats. The kids hadn't been that noisy, and on his way he ran over a little girl. Well he sat down in a pretty empty area of the plane. When they boarded the plane, family after family came on board, and they surrounded him. That flight wasn't quiet. The new babies cried a lot, and the kids around us stayed pretty quiet. I figured it served him right for being such a grump.

Who Pays For College? - Blog Entry

02 Aug 2006 06:34 PM

I just wanted to write and say that my parents were not able to help me out with college. I knew that I wouldn't receive any help, so I worked hard and got scholarships to school. I also worked throughout college from twenty to forty hours a week while carrying a full course load. I went to a private school (with very reasonable tuition). It was a very competive school to get into. My family didn't qualify for financial aid, and I graduated before I didn't have to claim my parents. Through working and attending college in the summers as well, I was able to complete my five year program in four years, debt free. I worked so hard and I also had a lot of fun. I would do it again, and I am very proud of what I accomplished. My point is, that kids can do it, if they need to. I had a lot of friends in the same situation. I think that we appreciate the education we got a little bit more because we had to sacrifice so much to get it. I plan on having my kids pay for at least half of their schooling.

Spellbound: A Movie That Will Truly Leave You "Spellbound" - Blog Entry

31 Jul 2006 08:09 PM

I think that this is a great documentary. I am fascinated by what drives the children and their parents to focus so hard on such a narrow aspect of learning. That said I admire the hardwork and dedication that goes into winning the national bee, and watched part of it when it was t.v. this year. There have been other movies made recently about spelling bees. One is "Bee Season" and another is "Akeelah and the Bee."

Preparing for a Sudden Death - Blog Entry

31 Jul 2006 07:22 PM

I am not sure about cremation, but I would imagine that if you purchased a plan (like you would for a funeral and embalming) that it would carry with you. Usually the morticians are on a network, and have reciprocal agreement. This was used when my husband's grandmother passed away suddenly far from home. Once you decide on a plan make sure that they are on a network in case you move.

Food Rotation Part 2 - Blog Entry

31 Jul 2006 11:04 AM

I know people who have built racks themselves. They built slanting shelves, but neither my husband nor I are that handy. It is possible. The thing I like about these shelves is the ease of the food rotation in addition to the small amount of space they use. You could use these in your pantry and store the other food in your basement or another room in boxes/cases on normal shelves, and not buy as many rotating shelves.

Planning for Emergencies at School - Blog Entry

29 Jul 2006 05:26 PM

It is great that your school has you provide this for your children. There have been times when kids have had to stay the night at the schools due to bad weather. It really is a good idea to be prepared.

Primary Time: Teaching Your Children About Tithing - Blog Entry

29 Jul 2006 05:24 PM

Tithing is something I have a very strong personal testimony of. I just know the blessings are there even if I can't see them at times. I am glad that you are teaching your boys and sharing your experiences.

Modern Day Pioneers - Blog Entry

29 Jul 2006 05:23 PM

It is so true. One of my best friends is the only member in her family, sometimes she feels less because she doesn't have the ancestors and pioneer stories. No one should feel that way. If you are the first member in your family or if your family are the first members than you are pioneers and should be proud of the heritage you are creating for your family. You will have your three generation family someday.

Homeschooling Gone Wrong- A Response To Valerie - Blog Entry

26 Jul 2006 08:12 PM

I taught for a few years before I had kids, and I can tell you that I had different experiences with the homeschool situation. I had two children whose parents decided to put them in middle school to start the public school experience. One was great. You could tell that his parents were really on top of things. The homeschool experience had really allowed him to develop a love of learning and reach his highest potential. The second child still breaks my heart. She could barely read and write. She was extremely shy and withdrawn. A real sweetie, but awkward. Her mom ended up pulling her out at the end of the third quarter because and I quote "I need someone to watch the other kids for me." I was so angry! They were just throwing this little girl's future away.

That said I am not against homeschooling. I would do it in a hearbeat if I felt my child's needs were not being met by the system. I am going to be watching and very involved in my child's education. I also doubt that I would send my children to a failing school, and so then I would homeschool. However, I know that I would do it right.

Amway - Blog Entry

26 Jul 2006 07:59 PM

I had a roommate who sold Amway. It was sad to see her because she was so shy, she didn't really build a customer base. I felt like her mentors were using her, because you earn more with people underneath you. My parents bought the products from some of their friends, but I had already moved out, so I don't know what they are like. I guess it just depends on if you can build a customer base or not. You need to be careful.