Given - If - Then Problem Solving. Thank you, Mr. R.

Math. {shudder.}

I have vague memories of sitting in a muggy high school classroom as Mr. R. tried to instruct a bunch of know-it-all sixteen-year-olds on the basic principles of higher mathematics. That poor man endured a lot from us. Specifically, moaning and whining about how we would "never use this math stuff in real life."

You know what? I realized recently that I do "use this stuff" in real life. Don't get me wrong. I'm not computing the angles of an isosceles triangle. Nor am I finding the square root of 14,721. But I am using the Given - If - Then problem solving method.

For example.

I recently escaped from my home enjoyed a quick shopping trip without my children. Joel called 2 hours into my errand (at 5:30). I'll spare you the details of the conversation. The important part is that we decided I would bring home supper and return to the store the next day.

Here's where the math problem solving comes into play. My thoughts as I walked to the van went like this-

Given:

• After we eat supper, Joel will clean the bathroom, give all 4 kids baths, and read our family devotions.
  
• That will all take about 2 hours.
  
• I want the kids in bed sooner rather than later.
  
• I don't want to have to wash dishes.
• I don't want to spend a lot of my grocery budget.
  

If-Then:

If I go next door to Walmart:

• Then it'll take 15 minutes to move the van, pick out supper from the freezer, and check out.
• Then I'll spend $10-$15 of my grocery budget on frozen food.
  
• Then another 5 minutes to drive home.
• Then 20-30 minutes to heat the food.
• Then I'll have dishes to wash. Ugh.

If I go down the road to McDs:

• Then it'll take 20 minutes to drive to the restaurant, use the drive-thru, and drive home.
• Then I'll use a gift card we received for Christmas and spend $0 from my grocery budget.
• Then supper will be ready when I walk through the door.
• Then I won't have to wash dishes.

See?! Given - If - Then Thinking. Mr. R. was right. I am using "that math stuff" in my every day life. I guess he knew what he was talking about after all.

I wonder if he had the answer to:

3 month-old-baby + X = momma sleeping 8 hours straight.

Have you also discovered your high school teachers were pretty smart? What lessons did you endure as a teenager but now use on a regular basis?

*** Edited to add: Visit the What I Learned this Week Carnival @ Musings of a Housewife.

Photo by Phillie Casablanca

Things a Mom Says.

I have said a lot of things as I mom that I never imagined would come out of my mouth. Last week I heard myself say, "Will, don't wipe boogers on your brother's bed."

I guess he was taking a little revenge for the germs Ben puts on his bed.

Oh the stories (and pictures!) I will have to share at their weddings!! Then Momma will get her revenge {evil laughter}.

Please tell me you say things like this!!!

4th Photo and Ben's thoughts on Heaven.

Alicia at Experiencing Each Moment tagged me for the 4th Photo Meme.

Here are the rules:

1.) Go to your 4th folder where you store your photos.
2.) Select your 4th picture (no exceptions)! Seriously.. no exceptions.
3.) Post the picture with an explanation and link it back to your tagger.
4.) Tag 4 people to do the same!!

That's Ben. He'll be four years old in February. This photo was taken last week. Believe it or not, he wanted me to take his picture. I have not idea why he made sad/mad faces.

Here's a sampling of recent Ben quotes:

"If the earth burned up Heaven would fall down." - Ben, 3 years.

"Heaven is a rock." - Ben, 3 years.

Alrighty then!

I will now tag 3 people: Stephanie @ My Answered Prayer, Stephanie @ {Olive Tree}, Stephanie @ A High and Noble Calling.

If your name is Stephanie consider yourself tagged! Be sure to leave a comment letting me know if you participate!