Author: JustAskMaia

I am happy to announce that I have way more than I need, not really because I will be using all of it at some point and time. I was under the assumption that I was going to burn through my bank accounts and credit cards to fund the opportunity to home school. I have been able to get second hand things, yes, I said second hand because you are never too rich to accept a hand me down, I know we aren’t.  I am going to list the things that we have for schooling and then give you the pricing. If you want to know more message or email me. I am always willing to share the good news about this frugal life and Jesus. Oh speaking of Jesus- or lack of. My children and I are going to different places of worship for our religious studies. We call them Knowledge Trips. This past Sunday we went to Kingdom Hall in Summerville. While this trip was enlightening, the trip was more of a bible study. I do not believe they stand on every principle I do even without religion. I like that the Sermon [sic] was very enlightening because the speaker [sic] taught every step of the way. He was in depth and simplistic however, I am well above the knowledge being offered and while that sounds vain and arrogant and possible ungrateful, it is true. There were speaking about putting God first and why would should put God first, the benefits of these things and life’s consequences alike. Now, this is the foundation of my life. And while i very much appreciate the fact that he spoke on a level my children could understand and relate to their everyday life there was also a remark made that God will not give you fancy and expensive things. I teach the RushBunch that God is not only a just God but a merciful one as well. Not only is He merciful, He giving and blessing Father. I do not want the bunch to be scared into not living in fear of the rejection of God. The bible tells us that God will give us the desires of our hearts, so why believe any different.

We discussed this visit in this mornings Religious studies course and as expected, while the children learned much, they are unwilling to go back because it was not “fun”. And while I believe that learning about God is not always fun, it is detrimental in the teaching of young people that it is not two straight hours of someone speaking, in a very dull tone without a break of a smile or grin.

Our next knowledge trip will be to a Messianic Congregation (Our Mosque trip was pushed back due to a congregational trip) and I am super excited. I thing Messianic Judaism will leave much to explore and talk about during our morning study.

 

I apologize, I have veered away from the topic at hand, which was free homeschooling. Now, while everything was free, once you see the total you will see that it may as well have been as a total.

New computer desk, three bookshelves. Every school textbook needed for school levels pre-k to college prep, 12 different sets of flash cards ranging from multiplication to phonics sounds as well as brain 4 brain quest level challenge cards, 62 reading books, your baby can read series, dictionaries, thesauruses, 3 large dry erase boards, 6 miniature dry erase boards, a four drawer file cabinet, 8 tablets, 2 three drawer bins, about 15 storage bins of various sizes, 6 puzzles, 10 packs of 24 crayons, 25 pocket folders, 50 file folders, 3 drawers of miscellaneous arts and crafts, 7 wall posters, hundreds of pencils, markers, erasers, glue sticks, 300 thumbtacks, 200 paper clips, two staplers, 15 board games, and the list goes so much further and all for under 150 dollars. WOW!

I am literally set for the next couple of years for the most part. We already have a desktop (that crashed and forces me to temporarily use my laptop (Oh yeah, I am still not happy about it)), printer, tons of blank notebooks from previous school preparation shopping trips. There is a plethora of information and groups to assist you along the way, and let me not get started on Pinterest and other screenshot-able post that you can have fun with (like the one below reposted by my best friend), so I say all this to say, if you have ever wanted to home school but are hesitant of the time, knowledge, and finances tied to this responsibility but amazing opportunity, I implore you to just do it!

-Rush

Well loves. It has happened. My hard drive has crashed. I have to wait until tomorrow to drop it of so I am unsure of when I will get it back. So for now I will be primarily using my phone and laptop. Sad, sad day indeed.

Rush Academy continues to evolve. No one day is like the previous and it is a rarity that the lessons go as I had anticipated.  It is well though because while I strive daily to perfect our lessons I learn more than they do possibly. They are enjoying it and the teachings are embraced with gladness.
I am enjoying learning along with the children it makes me feel good that this is something we share and can always remember and cherish. Although today is labor day I am sure that I will do much of what the holiday name implies. The RushBunch have school today as well.

What I like most about homeschooling is that is inadvertently reminds me to teach life lessons that I probably otherwise would not have thought to seize the opportunity. For instance, I spray an oil and water mixture on my girls hair to help moisturize and detangle it before I do it. I have been doing this for years along with my hair and not ever have I thought to teach them the science behind the mixture. But I found myself offering up free life knowledge as opposed to just spraying their hair while having idle conversations. Whats best is they enjoy it. What’s even better than that is they actually listen and remember what they were taught. I really believe I made an awesome decision to homeschool.

For those that believe it is hard work and are afraid to take the leap for fear of the unknown, I implore you to just jump in. It is not as time consuming as you may think. According to the association,  children need atleast 4.5 hours of schooling daily (not including lunch) although my children’s lesson plans never cease but it is incorporated in everyday life so I would say that 2 hours are actually book studies while the rest are taught while I cook dinner, do laundry, or run errands but also there is video and hands on time. You do not have to sit in a room for 7 hours like school. You can go outside and throw the ball back and forth with your child while teaching them math. Homeschooling is very versatile and can be incorporated into anything anywhere, except toy stores, talk about lack of focus.

In addition, you can opt out of taking days off like today, labor day. Maybe add some studies on a Saturday for the treat of a fun outing. Rush Academy does not teach on Friday unless the lack of finished assignments merits it. Plus there is no homework.

Also it is not financially a burden either. I have more than stocked the Academy and I am sure I have spent way under 200 dollars. I have 7 children I teach ranging from two to fifteen. I have all the literature and school books along with fun activities amd project materials. In addition I teach the baby littles (ages 8 months and 1) via video (like my child can read) and flashcards. And while spending under $200 I can look around the room and see I have things that I will not use this year but there is always next year.

I know I may sound like I am trying to sell you on this whole homeschooling idea but thats because I am. The quality time and fun times are well worth it. Not to mention you are not bound to create schedules around the days off from school.

In more important news, you guys pray for me that I am able to endure without my desktop.

-Rush

This may be the last time I am able to blog. Ever. It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to share my family’s ups and downs. I have shared with you guys like you were my own family. I appreciate all of the messages of encouragement, advice, and support.

This is such a sad moment in my life because I blog to feel better. I blog in hopes that I will help someone else feel better and I should have known that this day was coming yet I was hopeful that this particular good thing would not come to an end. But alas, the day is near and today just may be that day.

My desktop is dying ya’ll! I keep getting a pop up that my hard drive is bad and while I have begged my husband to not let my baby die out on me, he assures me that there is not much I can do about it. So, sadly, I saved all of the information I acquired over the years in folders and prepare my self for the soon to be sudden good bye. I am now forced to work from my laptop. I hate working from my laptop. I don’t know why, I just would much rather work from my desktop. I think it has something to do with the mouse, although McRush bought me a mouse to connect to it; it’s just not the same.

Perhaps its the ability to type alpha numeric with ease as I scored a 200 on my kph test with 33,000 kph. But that absolutely does not help me with my typing skills because I currently am pushing a strong 60 words per minute but that is while looking.

Anyhow my loves, enough with the pettiness. How was your day? I enjoyed a semi Meet and Greet with an amazing woman today. It is nice to just take a 2 hour coffee break and chit chat about life sometimes. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I did bring my son with me as a form of punishment but all he took it as was a moment of quality time as I chastised him in the car but made him sit alone with his W.E.B. Dubois speech that he has to have memorized by months end as a part of his African American history lesson.

Speaking of homeschooling, it is going very well. I am excited to be able to teach them some things that they would not learn in a traditional school setting. Last week The children learned what an IRA was, the importance of saving and investing money. We are also learning about the changes in the educational system. For instance the fact that Pluto is no longer a planet, there is now a Southern portion of the ocean, making it now 5 instead of 4. In addition we are learning about the various religions of the world. We are even going on a knowledge trip to our local Kingdom Hall. Our next religious knowledge trip will be to a Mosque and I am absolutely ecstatic about that trip.

So in a nutshell, in addition to learning the academic basics we get to learn about Money, our Roots, and Religion and soon World Politics (that aught to be fun). You will not be ready for my babies when they are full of knowledge. I am striving to be as diverse as possible in every area of their learning so that they are aware of the various issues in the world and when people speak with them they will be able to have not only an intellectual conversation with the RushBunch but you will leave feeling like you have gained something from the conversation or at the very least enlightened.

-Rush

 

Jacksonville, Florida. Neptune Beach Elementary school. Mrs. Williams fourth grade class.

There was a young lady in my class; she didn’t say much and no one spoke to her either. She very much kept to herself but I watched her because she was unusual to me. Even in the fourth grade I was analytical. I could tell alot from a person just by watching them. This girl was smart and very humble. She was very homely though. Her clothes were often old and smelly like they came from her grandmothers attic. They fit like they belong to her big sister but looked more like they were her aunt Pearl’s.

One day I noticed she did not stand for the pledge of allegiance or prayer and from that day on, although I stood, I watched her instead of saying the pledge myself. She never stood and Mrs. Williams never said anything to her. One day, I decided I was not going to stand either. I felt so inspired and adventurous as I eyed my oblivious co-conspirator in our attempt of defiance of this allegiance that I was never taught the meaning of, just that I am supposed to stand and say it. I could feel Mrs. Williams anger burn through my soul as I refused to look at her but instead stared at this girl for more invisible empowerment. I felt accomplished and it felt good until I felt Mrs. Williams snatch me out of the classroom by my arm and took me out into the hall.

“What is wrong with you!” She bellowed. I was confused as heck because I know for a fact that she did not take the other girl out of class for her insubordination or at least not that I had ever saw. She went on to tell me that many black people have died for our right to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance and that I should respect that. She said that if I ever did that again she would send me to the office for paddling. Tears were in her eyes as she chastened me and I had no idea why. From that day on I stood for the pledge of allegiance but I never said it. Instead I spent the time wondering what was so important about this pledge that mad mean ol’ Mrs. Williams cry and why did she not ever say anything to the young lady who silently encouraged me to take a stand and not conform but to research and learn why we even say it anyhow.

At the end of the year, on the last day of school, Mrs. Williams pulled me to the side again to tell me how proud of me she was for putting forth my best effort this year. I was patiently waiting for her to stop talking though so I could asked why she was so angry at me but never once said anything to the other girl. When I finally did, she shook her head as to say “I bet this was all you were thinking about and couldn’t wait for me to shut up”. Her look was accurate. She just sadly stated that she was a Jehovah’s Witness and did not have to stand for the pledge or prayer.

From that day on, I have never said the pledge of Allegiance. And to this day, I do not make my children do it either. First of all, as a God fearing woman, I choose not to pledge anything but to God. I do not even make promises or swear on the bible. Now, looking back, it is the best decision. How can I pledge my allegiance to something that is one sided? So many people (both black and white as well as other nationalities) are dying senselessly at the hands of trigger happy police. Families are made to separate for government assistance, the same government you pay with every single one of your paychecks without option. Men and woman are dying in wars created for financial gain, and while corporations get richer and richer off the poor dollar the poor reap no benefits but to remain poor.

How dare you get angry because Colin Kaepernick exercised his right to not stand and support a country that only supports foolishness and incompetent choices on the backs of the people who are literally making this country the running country it is. The ‘lesser class’ is what keeps this country going. What rich man are you going to see take off their suit and leave their multi-million dollar home to mow a lawn, deliver mail, run a cash register, or bag groceries? Yet the workers are the ones getting killed, beaten, separated from their loved ones, and destroyed.

Where in the constitution, no, where in the WORLD does it say that you HAVE to stand for or even acknowledge the national anthem? Don’t worry, I’ll wait.

 

-Rush

 

McRush and I had were getting a few groceries with the children and by the time we were done it was late, as usual, so that night (yesterday) we decided to stop for pizza for the children….. Pause….

I have recently accepted the fact that I need to get a better grip on my eating habits so no, the pizza was not for me.

While at the pizza joint McRush asked what I wanted to eat, I said I would go home and make a salad meanwhile I’d ordered him some chicken wings so I ran into the China Town restaurant and ordered his food while he ran in to order the pizza (they are beside on another) we stood outside chatting while waiting on the food. McRush suddenly notices that a man we’d saw earlier was laying on the stairs of an establishment a few stores down. I looked in my wallet but I didn’t have any cash, he didn’t either. I remembered that I had a few gift cards that I give out at my meet and greets in my wallet. I instinctively began to walk towards him. McRush catches up and said what are you doing? I said “I’m going to talk to him.” When we approach him his eyes were closed but I didn’t care, my heart was aching for him.

“Excuse me, Sir.” I started, he opened his eyes and I smiled at him. “Are you alright?” I continued. “Yes.” He said. I opened my wallet while explaining to him that I did not have any cash to give so he would not get his hopes up. “Do you think that if I gave you a dollar you could go get me a tea or something to drink?” He asked. “Do you want something to eat? I can buy you a pizza.” McRush said happily yet concerned. The man sat up slightly excited and said, “If it isn’t too much.” The idea he had was to go buy him a pizza and drink but the pizza joint was now not taking orders, so McRush offered to buy him something from the China Town restaurant to which we could tell he was okay with by his smile.

He got up and slid on his worn plastic shoes. I handed him my card and told him when he needs me, call. I also handed him a Walgreens gift card and the two Payless gift cards I had. In my mind I was wishing I’d seen him 20 minutes ago because I just used my two Walmart gift cards. Never-the-less, I gave what I could.

He, Tim, and I walked into the restaurant just as McRush had finished paying. When we walked in the workers of the restaurant stared at the man, not as if they knew he was homeless but like he was worthless of entering their restaurant. The woman even came all the way from the back with a look on her face as if she could not wait to demean him and make him leave. (In my mind I was thinking, I wish she would so much as breathe his way and she will quickly see the Philly side of this converted city girl). She stood there as if she were better than him but quickly took notice that he humbly stood at my side. I said to McRush, be sure to give him the receipt so they know he paid for the food. The cashier politely replied, you can keep the receipt if you need to, I will know you paid for him. I was hesitant to leave him there but I had to tell myself that I did what I could do and it is in God’s hands now.

We sat outside for a moment to watch and see if he was treated right. The cashier came and sat beside him after bringing him his tea. As we pulled of, we glanced back in the store and noticed the other lady who’d came from the back was now sitting in the booth behind him. Why? Did you think he was going to steal or cause a fuss? All he wanted was something to eat.

That reminds me of the everyday prejudices so many people experience. It is so important to some people that they demean or belittle someone daily just to make themselves feel more powerful than they are. They clearly came from another country to ‘Live the American dream’. They did not even bother to fluently learn the language but have already adapted the nastiness and ignorance that so many of us have.

America is like that cousin that you are embarrassed of, yeah, I said it! You know they know better but will not do better, rather REFUSE to do better. They have so much potential to be great and be a role model…a BETTER role model but do not want to. Instead they spread lies and embrace selfishness instead of selflessness. They see the differences instead of the likeness. They would rather tear down instead of pick up. But why? Sometimes I do not believe I am even a part of this country, I feel like a lost sheep in a herd of wolves. But I promise you, as long as I have breath in me, I will help every person I can because I believe that is why I was created. I have decided to answer my call of greatness and I am trying to bring everyone with me. #LetsGo

-Rush

So, I have been missing for a few days so I know you missed us. Just kidding!

Hello, my loves. I pray all is well with everyone reading this blog.

I would just like to start off by saying thank you to all of you who follow the iRush empire. Your comments really inspire me to do better and keep going. Unfortunately, I have realized that not everyone can comment on my blogs because they do not have a WordPress account… What the WHAT kind of mess is that? That is just stupid although it is an amazing marketing tactic just not on my behalf. so I have been considering moving my blogs to another host but I do love to use this platform but I want to be able to communicate with you guys without having to log into my facebook messenger to answer your questions or comments and that is just the people that follow me. Who else is there that I can speak to and uplift. eh, anyhow, that was my rate for the day.

Why is my family so weird? Short true story…

I was 29 when I finally found the humor in the simplest joke known to man. I have always been serious unless I really knew you so jokes were not a part of my everyday conversation, however, there should be shame in this story but I think it’s too funny for me to care. I am now 37 years old and this joke still makes me laugh tremendously to this day (I know this because I just told it to my boys today, whom also think it is hilarious but I believe it is mostly because I still laugh so hard at it).  I always though it was one of the stupidest jokes I had ever heard because I was looking for more depth in the answer. The answer was so simple that I suppose I over processed it so it was logical thus not funny.

Are you ready for the joke?

Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side.

I even chuckled when I typed it. I have no idea why I still laugh at it now, probably because it took me so long to get it. And now that I get it I run it in a hole. My friends would hate me for it but I don’t have any so I dodge that ball. lol

SN: I made it to the gym today. I have a trip in mind for the family but I will not go if I do not reach my goal of losing fifty pounds (the healthy way).

2SN: Homeschooling is going very well. I am glad that we chose to start mid-August because it has allotted me that fumble time to perfect our schedule so September first everything will be more organized. I told the RushBunch to consider the last couple weeks of school Playtime. They weren’t too happy about that statement but they are excited to start each day. They even ask to “have school” on the weekends and I always oblige because I love to see them excited about learning.

3SN: While Myrtle beach was a good time with the family whoever chose to call it a “family vacation” clearly did not have a family. The only people who vacation are the children because with the parents, nothing changes but the environment.

Okay, I am done fussing. I will blog tomorrow to fill you guys in on the other goings-ons in our life. ❤

-Rush

The best part of owning your own business as well as homeschooling your own children is when you say you are not going to work, you don’t have to. Today started off very slowly, the children watch television, I cleaned up a little and at about 12 o’clock I decided, hey let’s get out of the house.

First up was to the pet store so my oldest son could get some food for his bearded dragon. Then we headed off to the dollar store to buy some after school snacks and treats. We also bought a few toys for the love much box.

The love much box was something that I created for the children. At the end of every school week those that paid attention and finish their work could get something out of the love much box. It’s called The Love much Box because it was a thrift store find shaped like a treasure box and on the outside of it it says love much. Therefore not muchthought had to go into it at all. But nevertheless the children love it and it is a great motivation for them to keep pushing through the week.

Anyhow. We decided to go to the mall so Reggie could get some new shoes. I gave him my credit card and told him not to go too crazy with my credit card. Now let me just leave a disclaimer in here. I would not recommend every parent give their child, especially their teenage child, their credit card and tell them to go freely through the mall, this is not a wise decision. However, I have learned that I am able to trust him not to spend all of my money.

He went into footlocker and bought a pair of hundred dollar Nikes. The money I did not mind it was the shoe that had me baffled. It was a black shoe with a black check….. I think I could have MADE those for him myself. But he likes it so, no battles there.

The littles and I decided to stroll around Barnes and Noble while we waited, which could ultimately be a bad idea given how much I love books. But thankfully the frugal in me knows I can get any book cheaper on amazon. So as I searched through the African American nonfiction section, which might I ad was amazingly small and the shelves were not even full. They turned a lot of the books to face the customers as to appear to have a vast selection but in all honesty could have filled maybe a shelf and a half instead of five, but I digress, what should have I expected, Diversity? I just took pictures of what I liked with the intentions to order online.

The bunch on the other hand had it set in their minds that they were going to buy out the entire kids corner of the store… NOT. All in all I still spent more money than I wanted but enjoyed spending the day with my babies much more.

-Rush

Okay for real, this time I am getting my butt to the gym on a more consistent basis. I am always tired, my body has been sore (and not from exercising), and I am not satisfied with my curves.

Weight has always been something I battled with. I was super skinny then I was super not skinny and I have been there every since. Believe it or not my best weight was in 2005 when I was pregnant with Say.
My clothes fit correctly and I felt good. I contribute it to the four jobs I was working at the time as a means of financial stability but it also worked out for fitness stabity as well. It wasn’t my healthiest but it was my cutest!  Heeeeeeeeyyyyy!

We have cameras throughout the house and today I looked over some footage… I’m looking at my booty like ew girl what are you eating? Now, I do not eat unhealthy for the most part, any meat I eat is chicken or turkey. I eat every vegetable known to man and fruits are about as broad. Fast food is not really my thing and I drink tons of water a day. You would think that with what I eat I would look better. Let me educate you for a moment. What I eat is not as much an issue as to when. I do not eat breakfast, I never have been able to. My stomach just does not agree with this famous meal despite its positive affects it is said to have. Lunch is a maybe I will maybe I won’t. But dinner? I may not eat much but there is always a starch and it is always late. If I stay up later, which is 99 percent of the time, I am sure to pick off something or even make another plate. I am addicted to iced coffee and red bulls.

I know its wrong but I cannot control myself. I usually tell myself that after the day I had I am worth the indulgence,  and I am. But if I do not get a grip on my health I will find myself in a bad situation. Whats worse is McRush and I have a gym membership that we pay for religiously we just dont go religiously. But today I vow to myself that I am worth all the hardwork and dedication that I give and put in to others. I simply do not have time to go to the gym or take out more than 5 minutes to dedicate to burning calories but if I can make time for you then I need to start making time for me.

If you have any pointers or tips let me know. Any videos or memberships are helpful too. Thanks in advance.

-Rush
SN: So I am watching the camera in the living room and I see Beara step on a muffin… yes, I said a muffin. I yellout “Sara stop stepping on that and put it in the trash”. She obliges and then walks in my room and promptly says, “why are you talking to me?” I just rolled my eyes. Don’t be mad at me because you were wrong and got busted! Little midget bully child.